The exciting Snakeboat Races at Aranmulla temple during Onam have become one of the icons of Kerala tourism industry and attracts thousands of visitors to the region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna and is builr on the shores of the river Pamba, where the much-hyped event takes place. The spectacular snakeboats or 'chundan vallams' that take place in the race are nearly 30 in number and are owned by the villagers residing in the hamlets bordering the river. The stretch of the race extends from the hills to the low lying plains that measures up to about 40 km. A community event in itself, the oarsmen dressed in white dhotis and turbans steer the boats while singing traditional boat songs to the rhythm of the splashing of their oars in the water. The boats often have a golden lace at the head and the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center and form an important part of this visual extravaganza.

All through the festival days to the eve of Thiru Onam, the boat known as Palliodam sails from Katoormana and is accompanied by the music of drum beating and blowing of conch shells. It is to commemorate the event of the day when the boat could not move because of the hunger and pain of a poor widow and her children and regained its journey only after they were given enough food to satisfy their hunger. The prized snake boats accompany the main boat and torches are lit to give it a divine look. The colorful boat festival is held on the fifth day after Thiru Onam. The villagers worship each snake boat like a deity and only men can touch it and that too barefooted. The boats are always kept in excellent conditions and are oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell and carbon mixed with eggs to keep the wood strong and boat slippery in water. The village carpenter carries out annual repair of the boats lovingly as villagers take pride in their boats.