Pathanamthitta: The annual Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race is being held today (Sep 18), modeled after the Nehru Trophy format. This year is special as 52 "palliyodams" (snake boats) are ...

Most boat races are held during Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival. Each event has its own beauty and is often linked to historical or mythological stories.

An Onam festival race might feature as many as 40 boats, each representing a different village, explained John George, 48, who grew up in Kerala and now lives in New Hyde Park.