It takes place at Aranmula, near Sri Parthasarady Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State.

The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting watched by an exciting crowd.

Thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to watch the snake boat races.

The oarsmen sing traditional boat songs Vanchippattu and wear white mundu[when defined as?]

The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a show of pageantry too.

The famous temple at Aranmula is dedicated to Sree Parthasarathy of Lord Krishna as the divine charioteer of Arjuna.

[citation needed] Palliyodams are Aranmula’s unique snake boats (Chundan Vallam) which devotees hold in reverence, considering it as the divine vessel of the presiding deity in Sree Parthasarathy temple.

[citation needed] The singers lead the Vanchippattu (boatman's song) which the oarsmen will repeat and they move the oars in circular form according to its rhythm.

The Malayaraya community inhabiting the upper reaches of Western ghats at present, have many Vanjippattu songs included in their literature which are used in their artforms such as Kolakali and Ivarkali.

Malayaraya/ Malaya country known as "Maleam" in certain 17th century European maps of Malabar lying east of Chotti was transferred to Poonjar by the victoriousThekkumkur rajas.

At 6 pm long main rudder-oar (Adanayampu) will be presented to the temple at Kattoor and then it will be handed over to the leading oarsman.

[citation needed] It is considered that ‘’Uthrittathi’’ day is the anniversary of the installation of the idol consecrated in the south, by Pandavas.

It is served to the oarsmen of snake boats at the Parthasarthy temple premises and at nearby dining hall and auditorium.

They are welcomed with thalappoli and these offerings, and are marched with rhythmic slogans first in front to the god and then to the separate hall arranged for the feast.