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
Festivals
: Kerala is a land
of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them.
Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness.