Question

The oldest river boat race in Kerala, the Aranmula Boat Race is conducted on the river

• A. Periyar
• B. Pamba
• C. Chaliyar
• D. Bharathapuzha

Hint:

The holy town of Sabarimala and the heritage village of Aranmula are both culturally and geographically anchored to the Pamba River.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This is a cultural geography question about the traditional water festivals (Vallam Kali) of Kerala and the specific rivers on which they are held.

Step 2: Key Formulas and approach:
Locate the geographic region of Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district, and identify the main river flowing through this heritage village.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• The Aranmula Boat Race (Aranmula Vallam Kali) is the oldest and most traditional river boat festival in Kerala.

• It is held annually during the Onam festival season near the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.

• The event takes place on the Pamba River, which flows through Pathanamthitta.

• Unlike competitive boat races like the Nehru Trophy (held on Punnamada Lake), the Aranmula Boat Race is highly ritualistic and focused on temple traditions.

• The other options, Periyar (flowing through Ernakulam/Idukki), Chaliyar (Malappuram/Kozhikode), and Bharathapuzha (Nila, flowing through Palakkad/Malappuram), do not host the Aranmula Boat Race.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The Aranmula Boat Race is conducted on the river Pamba, making Option (B) the correct choice.