Champakulam boat race set to begin in Kerala

Alappuzha (Kerala), June 23 (IANS): The Champakulam boat race, said to be one of the oldest boat races in Kerala, was all set to begin in the Pamba river here Sunday afternoon, an organiser said.

“Altogether 29 boats, including nine snake boats, will be competing in the race and Kerala Governor Nikhil Kumar would be the chief guest,” an organiser of the event said.

The race will begin around 2.30 p.m.

“Due to steady monsoonal rains this year, there is enough water in the river. Hence, the event is expected to be all the more competitive,” the organiser added.

The Champakulam boat race is said to be about 500 years old.