Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali, a traditional boat race festival held on the River Pamba in Kerala. The event celebrates the state’s cultural heritage and is linked to Onam, one of Kerala’s major festivals. The Vice President used the occasion to speak about preserving traditional arts and crafts while embracing modern development.
What the Vice President said
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President described the Aranmula Vallamkali as a symbol of Kerala’s timeless traditions, spiritual devotion and sense of community. He highlighted how the festival demonstrates teamwork and discipline, with decorated boats called Palliyodams and over a hundred rowers moving in coordinated rhythm.
The Vice President also spoke about the spiritual importance of the River Pamba, which forms part of the pilgrimage route to the Sabarimala temple. He mentioned his own seven visits to the shrine and recalled his first pilgrimage before entering Parliament.
Recognising Aranmula’s heritage, he pointed to the ancient Sree Parthasarathy Temple and the Geographical Indication-tagged Aranmula Kannadi, a traditional mirror craft. He stressed the need to preserve traditional knowledge systems and arts for future generations.
The Vice President noted that even Keralites working abroad return to participate in such festivals, showing how cultural traditions keep people connected to their roots. He also congratulated Kerala on its recent renaming and conveyed greetings on Onam.
Drawing a connection between tradition and progress, the Vice President recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concept of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”—development alongside heritage. He added that India’s cultural diversity strengthens rather than divides the nation.
What this means for you
If you live in Kerala or follow the state’s cultural calendar, the Aranmula Vallamkali remains an important event to witness traditional boat racing tied to Onam celebrations. For those interested in traditional crafts, the recognition given to Aranmula Kannadi highlights government focus on preserving and promoting heritage trades. The Vice President’s emphasis on balancing modern development with cultural preservation reflects official thinking on how India should approach its traditions going forward.