ARANMULA, Kerala – July 13, 2025 – The highly anticipated ‘Valla Sadya’ (feast for the snake boat oarsmen) offerings at the Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula are set to commence on Sunday, July 13, at 11:00 AM. This marks the beginning of a significant annual ritual steeped in tradition and devotion, drawing devotees and snake boat crews from across the region.
The ceremonial proceedings will begin with the reception of special guests at the temple courtyard. At 11:15 AM, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar will inaugurate the ‘Anakottil’ (elephant stable) in the temple courtyard. Following this, members of the royal family, including Avittam Thirunal Aditya Varma, along with notable figures such as Minister Veena George, Anto Antony MP, and Pramod Narayan MLA, will serve various dishes on plantain leaves to Lord Parthasarathy, an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Following the serving of the deity, Pramod Narayan MLA will release “Vismayadarshanam,” a documentary produced by the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, at the Vanchipattu Sopanam mandapam within the temple courtyard. The ritualistic Vallam Sadya feasts for the boat crews will then commence in the ‘Oottupura’ (dining halls) after the temple’s midday prayers.
The first Palliyodam (snake boat) to arrive at the temple ghat will be traditionally welcomed by the Palliyoda Seva Sangham office bearers, who will present them with betel leaves and tobacco as a mark of respect.
At 11:30 AM, Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar will also inaugurate a special Vallam Sadya organized by the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell at the Panchajanyam Auditorium. This Sadya is part of their ‘Panchapandava Temple Pilgrimage Tour.’ Earlier, at 10:30 AM, the KSRTC bus carrying the Panchapandava temple pilgrimage group and its staff will be formally welcomed by Palliyoda Seva Sangham President K.V. Sambadevan and Secretary Prasad Anandabhavan.
The Palliyodams participating in Sunday’s Vallam Sadya include Othara, Laka-Idayaranmula, Kodiyattukara, Thekkemuri, Poovathoor Padinjare, Kozhencherry, and Venpala.
Publicity Convener Vijayakumar Chungathil stated that 52 ‘Karanathanmar’ (village chieftains), Palliyodam representatives, Devaswom (temple administration) officials, political, social, and cultural leaders, along with other invited guests, are expected to attend the ceremonies.
Historical Background of Vallam Sadya and Aranmula:
The Aranmula Vallam Sadya is an integral part of the annual Aranmula Uthrittathi Boat Race, one of Kerala’s most ancient and revered traditions. The legend associated with the Vallam Sadya dates back centuries. It is believed that a devout Brahmin devotee vowed to offer a sadya (feast) to Lord Parthasarathy every year with special dishes. One year, when his offering boat was attacked, Lord Parthasarathy himself, disguised as a young boy, came to his rescue. In gratitude, the Brahmin promised to feed all the ‘kaimuttukku’ (oarsmen) who rowed the holy snake boats.
The Vallam Sadya is not merely a feast; it’s a sacred offering to Lord Parthasarathy, meticulously prepared according to strict traditional customs. The feast comprises a multitude of vegetarian dishes, often exceeding 60 in number, served on plantain leaves. Each dish has a specific place and significance in the elaborate spread. The serving of the Sadya is accompanied by traditional Vanchipattu (boat songs) sung by the oarsmen, who request specific dishes by singing their names. Fulfilling these requests is considered a blessing.
The snake boats (Palliyodams) themselves are considered divine vessels, representing the mythical Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. They are meticulously crafted and maintained by specific ‘karas’ (villages or communities) around Aranmula. The tradition embodies the rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual connection of the region to the Parthasarathy Temple and the Pamba River.
