As Pampa runs shallow, cherished tradition of Arnmula faces uncertain days
Low rainfall has caused the Pampa River to recede, threatening the traditional Aranmula vallasadya and the upcoming Uthrittathi water festival. Organizers are struggling to navigate snake boats through shallow waters, and repair work at the Maniyar dam has further limited water management options.
Why it matters
Environmental changes and infrastructure limitations are increasingly threatening the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional festivals.
With the Pampa shrinking by the day after weeks of below-normal rainfall, concerns are mounting over the smooth conduct of the centuries-old vallasadya at the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple. The receding river has left several stretches of the Pampa too shallow for the iconic palliyodams (snake boats) to navigate. The Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (PSS), the apex body representing the 52 snake boats, now fears that unless the river is replenished soon, this year’s vallasadya season and the Uthrittathi water festival could be affected.
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