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Chundan vallom, Alappuzha
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Chundan vallam is known outside Kerala as Kerala snake boats, are one of the icons of Kerala culture used in the Vallamkali boat race.Construction specifications taken from the Sthapathya Veda, an ancient treatise for the building of wooden boats, these boats vary from 100 to 138 feet in length.The rear portion rising to a height of about 20 feet, and a long tapering front portion, it indicates a snake with its hood raised. Hulls are built of planks precisely 83 feet in length and six inches wide. The boats are example of ancient vishwakarma' prowess in naval architecture.Traditionally each boat under to a village, and the villagers worship that boat like a deity. Only men are allowed to touch the boat, and to show respect they should be barefooted. To make the boat glistening 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. Repair work is done yearly by the village carpenter.
