Aranmula Vallasadya begins in a grand manner
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Kochi: A grand feast offering 64 traditionally relevant dishes and an elegant snake boat race on a raging river stood out once again as the historic Aranmula Vallasadya began on Sunday.
Transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp in front of the Parthasarathy Temple.
"Aranmula Vallasadya is a symbol of art, culture and hospitality of Keralites," said Ganesh.
Health minister Veena George, MP Anto Antony and MLA Pramod Narayan served dishes to mark the beginning of Vallasadya. George said Vallasadya was a celebration of faith, culture and art.
On the first day, seven palliyodams participated in the Vallasadya, with Kozhencherry finishing first.
The Vallasadya for the 52 palliyodams of the temple's various karas (localities) will conclude on Oct 2.
Ganesh also inaugurated the Vallasadya held at the Panchajanyam Auditorium as part of the KSRTC budget tourism cell's Panchapandava temple tour.
The minister said the tour was receiving significant support from pilgrims from various parts of Kerala, cutting across religions, Ganesh said.
Strong security measures were in place around the temple as part of Vallasadya. The fire and safety services' scuba team was also deployed along Pampa River as part of the boat race.
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