 The
slim boats are about 100 feet long with a capacity of about 150 men.  Black
in color, the boats are usually made of anjili (Artocarpus hirsuta), but sometimes
teak and kadamb (Naucleacadamba) wood is also used. Both ends of the boat curl
out of the water to about 15 to 20 feet. The curled ends are shaped like cobra
hoods and it is from this shape that boat has derived its name. Traditional boat
builders who inherit this art from their fathers and pass it down to their sons
make the boats. Everything is hand made and crafted with great care. The boats
are ornately designed and decorated with green and scarlet silk umbrellas; their
number denotes the affluence of the family to which they belong. Gold coins, ornaments
and tassels are hung from the umbrellas.
Preparations for the race begin days in advance. Many practice sessions are organized
which cease two days before the race. The boats are launched into the water a
day before a race, which is held on the third of the four days of Onam. On the
day of the race, the boats are smeared with coconut oil to smooth their passage
through the water. Just before the race begins, priests perform a small puja to
Vishnu and Mahabali and confer blessings on the boat and the boatmen. Flowers
are offered to the gods and then placed at the helm of the boat as a sign of good
luck. 100 oarsmen to the beat and rhythm of cymbals, drums, and songs row each
long, graceful, snake-like boat. The winner of this race is bestowed many presents.
In the evening, girls dance around the traditional brass lamp, with much rejoicing.
According to a legend related to the origin of these boats, once some bandits
robbed a small boat carrying offerings to a Krishna temple. Krishna appeared before
the devotee in a dream and advised him to build a larger boat which, when rowed
by 100 to 150 oarsmen, would glide swiftly and outstrip any pirate. And so the
speedy or snake boat was designed. |
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