Chundan Vallams of the backwaters of Kerala

Posted Date: 13-Dec-2010	Category: Arts of Kerala	Rating:
Author: Latha Jayaprakash	Member Level: Diamond	Points: 25 (Rs 25)

Chundan Vallams are the well known snake boats of Kerala, which take part in the different boat races of Kerala, held at different times. These boats are a respected ones, which can be maintained and taken care of only by barefooted men.

Chundan Vallams of Kerala are beaked wooden boats, which are well known as Kerala Snakeboats to the whole world. Snake boats of Kerala are the icons of the state of Kerala, which are used in the regularly held Vallam kali or Boat Races of Kerala. Vallaomkali or the Boat Races are the regular fixtures in Keral which attract tourists from all over the world.

About the Chundan Vallams / Snake boats of Kerala

These Chundan vallams are constructed according to the specifications found in the Sthapathya Veda which is an ancient treatise for building wooden boats. These chundan vallams of Kerala are anywhere about 100 feet to 138 feet long with the rear portion going up to a height of 20 feet with a long tapering portion inthe front. The whole thing resembles a snake with the hood raised geitting the boats its name. The hull of the boat is about 83 feet long and 6 inches wide.
Each Chundan is decorated with Golden lace and a flag along with 2 or 3 umbrellas. Each boat belongs to one village and the care is taken by that village. For the villagers the boat is like a deity. the men who take care of the boat goes only barefoot and with due respect. The boat is polished with a mixture of fish oil, coconut shell carbon and eggs to make it slippery in water and the repair work is done only by the carpenter of that village.

Capacity and the usage of the Chundan Vallam during the boat races

The boat traditionally has a Kaaranavar who is incharge with first Adanayampu and 3 main oarsmen under him. They controlwith a 12 feet long main rudder oar. There will be 64 oarsmen sitting two in a rowalong the length of the boat representing 64 artforms. These oarsmen row to the rhythm of the vanchipattu and the singers will be seated between the oarsmen and in the middle of the second half of the boat 8 men will be standing from where the main singer will lead with the song. They are said to represent the Ashtadhipalakas and they will have a colourful umbrella there.

Longest Chundan Vallom in the Guiness and the Limca Book of Records

Aries Punnamada Chundan is acclaimed to be the longest snake boat in Kerala with a length of 144 feet. This Aries Chundan is an anitiative of Aries Group of Companies and also the first ever Chundan made of steel.
Aries Punnamada Chundan has entered Guiness and Limca book of records for the longest snake boat made of steel. This Aries Chundan is the pet project of P K Babu from kainakari and he was the brain and the architect of Aries chundan. This project was funded by Mr. S K Sohan Roy. The strength of the chundan was analysed by an overhanging test for the longitudinal strength and a sinking test to prove its unsinkability.

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