Kottayam: The 123rd edition of the Kottayam boat race will be held at the Thazhathangadi Lake on November 16. Nine snake boats will be vying for the coveted trophy this year. Meanwhile, the state-level inauguration of the Champions Boat League will also be held at the venue tomorrow. Minister PA Muhammad Riyas will inaugurate the boat race at 2 p.m. Minister V Vasavan will preside over the inaugural event, and Francis Geroge MP will flag off the boat rally. Jose K Mani will release the memorial of the Kottayam boat race, while district police chief A Shahul Hameed will hand over the gifts.
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan MLA said that the Kottayam West Club, in association with the tourism department, district tourism promotion council, municipality, and Thiruvarppu panchayat, has conducted the annual regatta and the Champions Boat League. He was accompanied by Kottayam West Club president KG Kuriachan, secretary Aneesh Kumar, and coordinators Leo Mathew and Sunil Abraham.
Snake boats and the teams rowing them:
Karichal – PBC, Pallathuruthy
Veeyapuram – VBC, Kainakary
Nadubhagam – KTBC, Kumarakam
Niranam – NBC, Niranam
Thalavady – UBC, Kainakary
Payippad – Alappuzha Town
Chambakkulam – PBC, Punnamada
Melpadam – KBC, Kumarakam
Ayaparambu Valia Diwanji – Changanassery Boat Club
Small boats and their categories
Thuruthithara, Moonnu Thaikkal (Iruttukuthi first grade), St. Joseph’s, Jalarani, Thuruthipuram, Daniel, kuruppumparamban, Thaniyan (Iruttukuthi second grade), PG Kureepuzha, Abraham Moonuthaikkan, Punnathra Purakkal (Veppu second grade).
Arrangements at the race course
Still starting feature, three tracks, photo finishing, and a remote magnetic timing system would be arranged at the venue. The main pavilion at the finishing point, where the inaugural ceremony would be held, could accommodate up to 400 people. Dance programs have been scheduled between the events for entertainment. Besides, the audience could also enjoy shinkarimelam and water sports events. Viewers are banned from entering the race course with their private boats.
Vanchipattu competition
The Vanchipattu competition for the Dr. PR Kumar Memorial Ever Rolling trophy will be held at 7 p.m. on November 15 at the venue near the race course.
Passes
For passes to enter the main pavilion, contact 9447550995, 6235704747
Traffic restrictions
Traffic restrictions will be at Arupuzha – Alumoodu – Kulappura road from 1 pm onwards.
Parking
Parking facilities have been arranged for private vehicles at Uppootti Kavala, Edakkattupally Road and Illikkal ground.