Snake Boat

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What an incredible piece of culture!  Thanks for sharing this interesting information. Was not aware of it until I read about it that the boat race is such an integral part of Kerala culture. 

Traditionally each village has a boat and it is worshiped like a diety. This is evident in the launching video as well. The boat is constructed as per precise calculations as laid down in an ancient teatise. To make the boat slippery while in the water and to reduce absorption of water and thereby reduce the resistance of the hull, it is oiled with a mixture of fish oil, the ash of coconut shells, and eggs.

An interesting part is the boatman's song which is sung by 25 singers who form the middle row between 64 paddlers, who are seated two to a row. They all row to the rhythm of the song. In the middle of the second half of the boat is a platform for eight people to stand from where the cantor will lead the song. 

Here is a beautiful version of the song... brilliantly picturised as well.

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