Boat races to thrill Lakshadweep again during December fest

Kochi: The mighty waves of Arabian Sea in Lakshadweep are all set to host a boat race which will be the main attraction of Minicoy Fest that will take place in December.

Though the Minicoy Island has seen many major boat racing events in the past, they gradually disappeared. A boat, built in 1952, is still there at the island. Though not very popular these days, around 15 such boats can be seen in the various villages of Minicoy.

Recently, three brand new boats were introduced in a grand launching ceremony. In the Maha language, such big boats are called the 'jaha thoni.' The launching ceremony of the three jana thoni boats were called the 'Unity of Funhilol.'

Up to 43 oarsmen can sit in these indigenous boats. Funhilol is one of the major villages in Minicoy. Most villages in Minicoy now have huge 'jaha thoni' that is 73 feet long. The youth in the islands have already begun practising in the new boats. The boats were built by a group of efficient artisans led by Sadique Ruwage and Moosa.