World Malayalee Council organizes famous Kerala boat race

Sydney, October 19 (Australia

India News Newsdesk)

A spectacle that exhibits teamwork and unity in the backdrop of Chenda melam was witnessed at the first edition of traditional Kerala boat race at Kissing Point Ferry Wharf, Putney organised by World Malayalee Council - Sydney Province. The Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument originating in the state of Kerala and widely used in Tulu Nadu of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in India. It is greatly identified as a cultural element in Kerala and Tulu Nadu. This instrument is famous for its loud and rigid sound.

Boat races are among the grand old traditions still thriving in Kerala. In Kerala, people go to these events in large numbers to watch these snake shaped boats move ahead in rhythm to the old boat songs sung in full volume. These snake boats are up to 100 feet long. The Malayalee community in Australia has kept this tradition alive by organizing the traditional Kerala boat race.