Kumarakom Boat Race - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 1 km from Kumarakom Bus Station, Kumarakom Boat Race, also known as Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race is held in Vembanad Lake, one of the prime places of Kerala Backwaters. The race is held in September every year during Onam festival. More than 20 boats of different sizes and shapes participate in this event. Even though Snake Boats participate in this race, the importance is given here is for Iruttukuthi, in which about 50 oarsmen row. The successful Iruttukuthi win The Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy.

The boat race is conducted to celebrate the arrival of Sri Narayana Guru, who visited Kumarakom in 1903 to inaugurate Kumara Mangalam Temple. The day will begin with special pujas at the Kumaramangalam Temple. Prior to the commencement of boat race, the grand procession of country boats carrying a portrait of Sri Narayana Guru from Kumara Mangalam Temple will be held up to Kottathodu in Kumarakom, the venue of the boat race.