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Vanchippattu

Vanchippattu
Vanchippattu (boatman's songs) are closely linked to the geography and lifestyle of Kerala. With over 1900 km of waterways crisscrossing the state, boats were the major means of transport in Kerala until a few decades ago. Even today some districts depend largely on water transport. It is not surprising that the Vanchippattu developed on the rivers and backwaters, sung by boatmen on long voyages to entertain themselves and keep up their spirits.

These folk songs sung in rhythm with the splash of the oars tell stories of the rustic life and those from mythology.

But today with the Kettuvallom, huge cargo carriers of yesteryears, having given way to road and rail transport, the Vanchippattu have been relegated to books and Malayalam literature.

The more spirited of these songs, however, can still be heard at the snakeboat races in the Onam season during August/September

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