Champakulam Moolam Boat Race Held Without Local Holiday Amid Political Debate
The annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race took place on the Pampa River in Kerala's Kuttanad region without a local holiday, despite a request by MLA Reji Cheriyan. The event featured seven snake boats competing across multiple categories, with Aroma Chundan winning the Raja Pramukhan Trophy. The race was inaugurated by Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh, who mentioned potential government support enhancements. The Chief Minister's alleged open-mic remark denying the holiday sparked political controversy, though the administration did not grant the holiday this year.