Alappuzha, Kerala: The annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race drew record crowds and a festive atmosphere on Monday, with a flex banner mocking Chief Minister V D Satheesan over the government's decision not to declare a local holiday for Kuttanad taluk emerging as one of the highlights of the event. Many local residents said the controversy surrounding the holiday demand had brought unprecedented attention to the traditional race, attracting visitors from other districts as well.

The protest came in the wake of an alleged open-mic side remark by the Chief Minister in the Assembly over a request for a local holiday on the day of the race. Despite the controversy, thousands lined the banks of the Pampa River and gathered on the Champakulam bridge to witness one of Kerala's oldest and most significant traditional boat races.

Flex banner targets holiday row

The flex banner, carrying a sarcastic message in Malayalam, was displayed by boat race enthusiasts from a boat near the venue to express their protest and resentment over the government's decision.

The message implied: "Sir, a holiday for Kuttanad... Just wait and see... We will get it now."

Images and videos of the protest were widely shared on social media, including by Konni MLA K U Jenish Kumar.

The controversy began after Kuttanad MLA Reji Cheriyan of the Kerala Congress (Joseph), a constituent of the ruling UDF, sought a local holiday for Kuttanad taluk for the annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race.

Replying in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government would consider the request. However, moments after taking his seat, he was allegedly heard through an open microphone making a side remark that the holiday would not be granted "under any circumstances". The remark, captured on video, was widely circulated on social media by LDF legislators, triggering a political row.

No holiday declared

Despite the MLA's request and the ensuing controversy, the Alappuzha district administration did not declare a local holiday for Kuttanad on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Reji Cheriyan said he had expected the holiday to be announced until the last moment, as the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is Kuttanad's principal cultural event.

He said people celebrated the event in a festive spirit despite the absence of a holiday.

"Let us try harder next year. There will be a holiday for the Moolam Boat Race next year," he said.

Cheriyan said there was no doubt that the Chief Minister's remark had hurt the sentiments of the people of Kuttanad.

"However, the issue will end once he explains the circumstances in which he made the remark. Everyone is saddened, and so am I. It was my first submission in the Assembly," he said.

The MLA said he would seek an explanation directly from the Chief Minister.

"We will meet on Tuesday, and the matter will be resolved within one minute of discussion," he said.

Thousands gather for traditional race

The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race marks the beginning of Kerala's traditional boat race season and is regarded as one of the state's most significant races because of its ceremonial importance.

Although Kuttanad did not receive a local holiday, large numbers of spectators gathered along both banks of the Pampa River from early morning. Crowds also packed the Champakulam bridge to watch the races featuring traditional boats, including seven snake boats.

Unlike the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race has not generally attracted such large crowds in previous years.

The race began at 3 pm, with Cultural Affairs Minister P C Vishnunadh inaugurating the event. Seven snake boats took part in this year's competition on the Pampa River at Champakulam in Alappuzha district.