കായംകുളം ജലോത്സവം (Kayamkulam Jalolsavam) 2010

A boat race was conducted in Kayamkulam lake on 28th of August 2010 as part of initiatives to bring Kayamkulam to the world tourism map. Kayamkulam was once the commercial hub of Kerala. Kayamkulam Jalolsavam was conducted to bring back its lost glory. There are two versions as to how Kayamkulam got its name. Some say that Kayamkulam got its name from a portmanteau of two Malayalam words - kayam (sap of a spice tree) and kulam (pond) while a more reliable version is that Kayamkulam got its name from "kayal" (lake) and "kulam" (pond),since the Kayamkulam lake (Kayamkulam kayal) is as shallow as a pond (a bit exaggerated). Kayamkulam is well known for its coir, fishing and tourism industries. One of the largest power plants in Kerala, run by the NTPC, is located in Kayamkulam. Kayamkulam is closely associated with the legend of Kayamkulam Kochunni. He was a famed highwayman, active in the area known as Central Thiruvithamkoor, in the early part of the 19th century. He is said to have stolen from the rich and given to the poor (like Robin Hood). Legends about his exploits are part of the local folklore.

Thousands of people witnessed the Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 on the banks of Kayamkulam lake. All the races had a very close finish. People had to wait till the official declaration of results to know who had won the race. The event was a huge success in terms of participation and spirit. A total of nine snake boats and several small boats participated in the events. 'Paipad Chundam' turned out to be the winners of Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010. You can have a look at the boat race and the associated events by visiting the below links:

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Practice rowing

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Boats lining up for mass drill

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Vanchipattu

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Mass drill

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Loser's Final

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - The Grand Final

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Anxiously waiting for the final result

As part of the boat race, several cultural competitions were organized in different categories. Also a Mimics Mega Show lead by Tini Tom and Guinness Pakru and a musical extravaganza lead by Rimi Tomy were organized. You can watch part of these events by visiting the below links:

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Mega Show Fusion

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Mega Show_Kasthuri

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Tini Tom and Unda Pakru

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Ganamela_Vada mappile

Kayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Ganamela _Ee neela raavil

ayamkulam Jalolsavam 2010 - Ganamela_Kuttanadan punchayile

You can also see some of the photos below: