The Chaliyar Rive transformed into a pulsating arena of excitement on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as the Chaliyar Jalolsavam unfolded in Mukkom, Kozhikode. This annual boat racing festival, organized by the Cheruvadi People’s Collective led by CKTU Cheruvadi and the Adventure Club, drew massive crowds and marked its 11th edition with unparalleled fervor. Hundreds of spectators, including families, women, and children, lined the riverbanks, their cheers echoing as oars sliced through the waters in a spectacle that blended Kerala’s rich Vallamkali heritage with modern community enthusiasm.
The Thrill of the Races: Fierce Competition on the Waters
At the heart of the Jalolsavam were intense boat races featuring 11 teams from Kozhikode and neighboring Malappuram districts. These traditional snake boats, manned by skilled rowers, churned the Chaliyar’s currents in a display of raw power, strategy, and teamwork. College Pazhamparambu emerged as the undisputed champions, showcasing superior synchronization and endurance to claim top honors. Close behind were Maithri Vettuppara in second place and Town Team Maithra in third, making for a nail-biting finish that had the crowds on their feet. This event isn’t just about speed it’s a testament to the region’s deep-rooted boating culture. Vallamkali, or boat races, have long been a staple of Kerala’s festivals, originating from ancient practices of transporting rice and goods along rivers. In Kozhikode’s context, the Chaliyar Jalolsavam revives this legacy while adapting to local flavors, drawing participants from rural panchayats and fostering inter-district rivalry in a spirit of healthy competition.
A Grand Inauguration: Leaders Unite for Festive Kickoff
The festival kicked off on a high note with Kodiyathur Panchayat President T. Kavitha presiding over the inauguration, setting an inclusive tone for the day. Programme Committee Chairman Nazeer oversaw the formalities, ensuring a smooth start amid the growing buzz of anticipation. The gathering heard inspiring speeches from key figures, including Convenor N. Jamal, panchayat members S.A. Nasser, Ayesha Chelappurath, Kasna Hameed, and K.V. Niyas. Former panchayat member Ashraf Kolakkadan, ex-president K.V. Abdurahiman, Wahid Kolakkadan, and K.P. Chandran also shared their visions for community-driven events like this, emphasizing unity and cultural preservation. These addresses highlighted the festival’s role beyond sports it’s a platform for local governance to connect with the people, addressing issues like river conservation and youth engagement. In Kozhikode, where the Chaliyar has faced environmental challenges like pollution and sand mining, such events remind communities of their shared stewardship over this vital waterway.
Valedictory Glory: Honors and Reflections
As the sun set on the races, the valedictory function brought the day to a fitting close. MLA Linto Joseph inaugurated the ceremony, praising the organizers for breathing life into traditional sports. E.K. Rashid, President of the People’s Collective, presided, while General Secretary Hasan Puthalath, Shaibin Kottupurath, Firoz Karimpilikadan, and Niyas Chettur delivered closing remarks that celebrated the winners and motivated participants for future editions. Prizes were distributed amid jubilation, with College Pazhamparambu’s victory symbolizing the rising prowess of youth teams. The event wrapped up with promises of even grander spectacles ahead, underscoring the Jalolsavam’s growing stature in Kozhikode’s cultural calendar.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/01/28/chaliyar-river-boat-race.html