CBL to Enter North Malabar, ‘Churulan’ Vallam Races

KANNUR:
The prestigious Champions Boat League (CBL-3) is set to debut in north Malabar this weekend, with Anjarakandy river in the district becoming the venue for the ‘churulan’ boat race as part of the third edition of the annual IPL-model traditional boat race being organized by Kerala Tourism across the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Viayan will on September 9 inaugurate the races to be held along the one-km stretch between Mammakunnu bridge and Muzhappilangad kadavu. Fourteen ‘churulan’ boats from the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod will vie for honours, organisers said.

Last year, CBL-2 had hosted races of small boats along the Chaliyar river in adjoining Kozhikode district. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas had, ahead of the 2022 CBL races, announced the government’s plans to further popularize boat races up the state by organizing CBL in north Malabar.

This Saturday’s function in the afternoon will be chaired by Minister Riyas.

The ‘churulan’ variety of boat, with a length of 32 feet, has its bows rising at both ends, and can carry up to 30 rowers. They add to the competitive spirit of water races, which are primarily defined by the 120-foot-long snake-boats called chundan vallams featuring around 100 rowers.

The inaugural CBL was held in 2019, beginning with the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race.