Date:04/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100453470300.htm

Kerala

All set for the boat race

Gas Authority of India limited (GAIL) is the Main Sponsor of the 109th GAIL Kottayam boat race to be held at Thazhathangady on Sunday, 5th October 2008. The Organisers wish to place on record their deep-felt gratitude to GAIL (India) Ltd. for joining hands with us in conducting the 109 years’ old boat race, the first of its kind in Kerala. GAIL can be proud of their role in helping the organisers to preserve and carry forward this Traditional Cultural Heritage, handed over to us from the historic past.

GAIL (India) Ltd. is India’s principal natural gas transmission and marketing company which is considered as the leading Nava Ratna Public Sector Company in India. Kottayam, the land of lakes, latex and letters is getting ready to welcome the 109th GAIL Kottayam Boat Race to be held on Sunday 5th October 2008 at Thazhathangady. This boat race bears testimony to the great cultural heritage of Thazhathangady where Hindus, Muslims and Christians have been living in great harmony since the 12th Century.

The three communities join hands together to make this mega cultural festival a great success every year. This is the only secular cultural celebration in Kottayam.

On this auspicious occasion let us bow heads in reverence to the memory of Divan T.Rama Ravu (1878 - 1890) who introduced this boat race in the year 1885 at Thazhathangady. He is hailed as the Architect of Kottayam as the founder of Kottayam Public Library, District Hospital and Thirunakkara Maidan. We cordially invite every one to witness the exciting competition of 34 race boats, including 4 leading snake boats of Kerala on the 5th of October at Thazhathangady.

P.V. Abraham, Gen. Convenor.