Aranmula: The historically significant Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race is taking place today. The boat race will commence at 1 PM on Wednesday at Pamba River. Following a water procession, the competition will feature the boats from Batch A, followed by those from Batch B.
In connection with the boat race, the District Collector has declared a local public holiday in Pathanamthitta district. All government offices and educational institutions will be closed, as announced by the District Collector. However, there will be no change to public examinations.
Before the boat race, there will be a water procession. This year’s procession will feature 52 traditional boats representing 52 villages, marking the first time in two decades. The competition will take place from Parappuzha Kadavu to Sathrakadavu. A total of 52 traditional boats will participate in the water procession, while 50 will compete in the races. Batch A will consist of 35 boats and Batch B will have 17 boats. This year, the Uthrattathi boat race will follow a timing-based format, similar to the Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
The ceremonies will begin at Sathrakadavu after the procession arrives from Aranmula Temple at 9:30 AM, with District Collector S. Premakrishnan raising the flag.
Guests this year will include Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries and Minority Affairs George Kurian, and state ministers K.N. Balagopal, Veena George, Saji Cherian, Roshy Augustine, Muhammed Riyas, P. Prasad, V.N. Vasavan, as well as MPs Anto Antony and Kodikunnil Suresh, and Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar.
