ARANMULA PARTHASARATHI

THE VALLASADYA FEAST

This religious custom started thus with full faith in the Lord's grace, later developed into a state sport of unusual attraction and glamour. The boats called Chundan vallom are very big in size measuring more than 100 feet in length and an 18 feet long stern. It is manned by 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 singers. The boats participating in the Vallomkali normally' assemble at the temple ghat by dawn and sail ahead in pairs under able supervision. The course lasts for two hours. It is quite thrilling to see the rowers striving their best, and the singers enthusing them with rousing tunes. As it is a race, each participant tries to out step the other with utmost prowess. 

The spectators enjoy the spectacle with baited breath. Soon after the race, an elaborate sumptuous feast is given to the participants and it is called Vallasadya. It is quite rewarding and rejuvenating too. Ardent devotees deem it a .pleasure to meet its expenditure, since the custom started with pious motive. of offering prayers to Sri Parthasarathy, the presiding of the deity whose omni compassion lifted and is lifting the deserving.     

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