Aranmula gears up for 72-day Onam festivities with Vallasadya

Heralding the start of the 72-day-long Onam celebrations in Aranmula, the ritual feast called Vallasadya will commence on Sunday (July 13) at the centuries-old Sree Parthasarathy Temple on the banks of the Pampa.

A cherished tradition, Vallasadya is an offering made by devotees to the temple’s presiding deity. The feast is organised by the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (PSS), in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the temple affairs. The feast is primarily intended for the oarsmen of the Palliyodams (snake boats) that arrive from various villages along the Pampa. They are given a ceremonial welcome at the temple ghats before being escorted inside.

Rhythm of Vanchipattu

In keeping with custom, the oarsmen will offer paddy, tobacco, and betel leaves to the deity and circumambulate the temple while singing Vanchippattu (traditional boat songs), adding a rhythmic fervour to the celebrations.

According to organisers 415 feasts have already been booked this season, with more expected in the coming days. Preparations began on Friday, marked by the lighting of the main hearth using a sacred flame brought from the temple.

52 snake boats

On the opening day, the feast will be served to the crews of seven snake boats. Altogether, 52 Palliyodams from villages along both sides of the Pampa, from Idakkulam to Chennithala in Alappuzha, will take part in the festivities.

A major cultural spectacle and tourist attraction, the Vallasadya and the associated regatta have drawn large crowds over the years.

The Aranmula regatta is scheduled for September 9, followed by the Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya on September 14. The celebrations will conclude on October 2. A special committee constituted by the PSS will oversee the smooth conduct of the festivities.

Temple tourism circuit

Meanwhile, the KSRTC Tourism Cell will be conducting special trips to Aranmula during the season as part of its Pancha Pandava Temple Circuit. The tour covers visits to the Chengannur Thrichittatt, Thrikodithanam, Thiruvanvandoor, Thrippuliyoor, and Thiruvaranmula temples, culminating at Aranmula.

According to Santosh Kumar, district coordinator of the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell, up to eight trips will be operated daily from different depots. The tours will be conducted five days a week throughout July and the corporation’s target is to conduct 400 trips during the season.