Changathikkoottam, Atholi, in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is organising Malabar Jalolsavam 2019 at Kuniyil Kadavu on Korappuzha near Atholi on September 15.
Sajith Koroth, chairman of Changathikkoottam, the alumni association of Government High School, Atholi, said the water festival was being organised as part of the Onam celebrations and to boost the tourism potential of the region.
The festival will feature boat race and swimming competitions, besides tug of war, ‘Chakiriyadi’ (tempering coconut husk), coir making, and ‘Ola medayal’ (plaiting coconut leaves). Cultural programmes such as Thiruvathirakkali, Pookkalam competition, folk songs, Margamkali, and Oppana will also be part of the festival.
The boat race, a major attraction of the festival, will be held in four categories in teams of 11, 7, 5, and 2. The competition will be held in two rounds. Teams from across north Kerala will take part.
“Atholi has immense tourism potential which is yet to be explored. Our attempt is to get this little village, the birth place of former Chief Minister C.H. Muhammed Koya, a place in the tourism map,” Mr. Koroth said.
R.M. Biju, general convenor of the festival, said boat races used to be held on Akalappuzha, a part of Korappuzha, earlier but were discontinued. The Malabar Water Festival is an attempt to restore the tradition.
Teams can register for the boat race and tug of war competitions by contacting 9539103382 / 8086224964.