Aranmula Vallamkali reflects Keralam’s timeless traditions, devotion and spirit of togetherness: Vice President
Tradition and modernity can go hand in hand: Vice President at Aranmula Vallamkali; recalls Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today inaugurated the Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali on the River Pamba, describing the festival as a glorious symbol of Keralam’s rich cultural heritage, devotion and timeless traditions.
Congratulating the people of Keralam on the State’s recent renaming, the Vice President recalled that, as Chairman of Rajya Sabha, he had the privilege of presiding over the passage of the State Renaming Bill during the recently concluded Session. He also conveyed his greetings on the occasion of Onam.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said the Aranmula Vallamkali, associated with Onam and the sacred tradition of Vallasadya, showcases teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship, with beautifully decorated Palliyodams and more than a hundred oarsmen rowing in perfect rhythm.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the River Pamba, he said it forms an integral part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage and represents faith, purification and spiritual surrender. Recalling his seven pilgrimages to Sabarimala, he shared that he considers his first visit to the shrine, shortly before his nomination as a Member of Parliament, particularly significant. He said he believes Lord Ayyappa’s blessings were instrumental in his subsequent electoral victory.
Referring to Aranmula’s heritage, the Vice President highlighted the ancient Sree Parthasarathy Temple and the renowned GI-tagged Aranmula Kannadi. Recalling the celebrations at the Vice-President’s Residence last year, he said he had gifted Aranmula Kannadi to the guests, who greatly appreciated its exquisite craftsmanship. He stressed the importance of preserving and promoting traditional arts, crafts and knowledge systems for future generations.
Observing that people working abroad also return to participate in such cherished traditions, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said Aranmula demonstrates how cultural traditions continue to connect people with their roots.
Emphasising that tradition and modernity can go hand in hand, he recalled Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”. He said India’s diverse festivals reflect the country’s cultural unity and observed, “Our diversity is not a source of division; it is a source of our strength.”
The programme was attended by Governor of Keralam Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar;
Minister for Home Affairs Shri Ramesh Chennithala; Minister for Higher Education Shri Roji M. John; Minister for Water Resources Shri Mons Joseph; MP Shri Anto Antony; MLA, Aranmula, Shri Abhin Varkey, and other dignitaries.
