Pathanamthitta: In the historically significant Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race, Koyipram and Kottathur-Kaithakodi won in their respective categories. Following the model of the Nehru Trophy boat race, Koyipram secured victory in the A batch, while Kottathur-Kaithakodi triumphed in the B batch, both clinching the Mannam Trophy. This was the first time that the qualification for the final was determined based on time, similar to the Nehru Trophy format. 49 boats participated in the competition, while 51 participating teams also participated in the regatta. Due to a recent accident, the Muthavazhi team did not attend the water festival.
Thanks to favorable weather conditions, there was a large turnout of spectators. Hundreds of people gathered on both banks of the river to watch the boat races. The public meeting and the water procession were inaugurated by Minister K. N. Balagopal. Minister P. A. Muhammed Riyas inaugurated the racing boats, while Minister Saji Cheriyan honored the artisans of the palliyodams (Snake boats). Minister Veena George released the souvenir for the boat races. K. V. Sambadevan, president of the Palliyodam Service Society, presided over the event.
