Celebrating Keralam's Rich Boat Racing Heritage at Red Bull Vallam Vali

The vibrant boat racing culture of Keralam was celebrated in Gothuruth with the thrilling Red Bull Vallam Vali event. Featuring traditional boat races and a tug-of-war, this event brought together local teams in a spirited competition. The Punnamada Panthers triumphed in both categories, showcasing the rich heritage of Keralam's waterways. With captivating performances and a festive atmosphere, the event highlighted the importance of community and tradition in this unique cultural celebration. Discover more about this exciting day and the history behind Keralam's boat racing legacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 13:03 IST

A Day of Thrilling Boat Races in Gothuruth

The vibrant boat racing tradition of Keralam was on full display during an exhilarating event held in Gothuruth, North Paravur, on September 7. This day-long celebration featured not only a thrilling boat race but also an engaging tug-of-war, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.

Organized by Red Bull, the event marked the second season of Red Bull Vallam Vali. This competition included two main events: the Chundan Vallam Row Off and the Iruttukuthy Vallam. In a fierce contest, the Punnamada Panthers and Vembanad Vikings made it to the finals, with the Punnamada Panthers ultimately claiming victory in both categories, according to a press release.

The competition was divided into two distinct categories, each featuring traditional boats:

- Chundan Vallam Row Off: A water-based tug-of-war involving two 85-member snake boats, each crew rowing in opposite directions.

- Iruttukuthy Vallam Row Off: A race between two teams of 27 rowers on the same boat, also rowing against each other.

*About the Boats

The Chundan Vallam, measuring 100 feet (30 meters), is renowned for its role in Keralam's famous boat races during the Onam festival.

The Iruttukuthy Vallam is a competitive sport boat celebrated for its remarkable speed on calm waters.

*Competition Format and Scoring

Both categories followed a round-robin format, where each team competed in three matches before the top two advanced to the finals. A team earned 2 points for a win, and if no boat crossed the finish line within 120 seconds, the team whose boat was farthest from the center line at the STOP announcement was declared the winner.

In cases where teams ended the league phase with equal points, the team with the lowest total time in their winning matches ranked higher. If a tie persisted, the Organizing Committee would determine the appropriate tie-break or playoff method.

Participating teams included Ashtamadi Acers, Kuttanad Knights, Vembanad Vikings, and Punnamada Panthers.

VD Satheesan, the Chief Minister of Keralam, expressed, “Keralam’s traditional boat races are a vital part of our cultural and sporting identity, uniting communities through teamwork and a shared love for our waterways. Red Bull Vallam Vali revitalizes this rich tradition in an exciting format while preserving the essence of Vallamkali. It’s heartening to see Keralam’s heritage celebrated in ways that resonate with new audiences, highlighting our culture and sporting spirit.”

The Gothuruth Vallamkali is one of the oldest traditional boat races in the Ernakulam district of Keralam, blending sporting competition with cultural and religious traditions. First held in 1938, it takes place annually in September along the Periyar River.

The festivities in Gothuruth extended beyond the river, with the banks alive with captivating Chenda Melam drum performances and the dynamic energy of breakdancing, merging Keralam’s rich cultural traditions with contemporary flair, where culture was the highlight and the culinary delights were ever-present.