Kozhikode welcomes all for the Malabar River Fest to witness the largest white water kayaking

Kozhikode : As one of the biggest kayaking events of the country, the Malabar River Festival began with all its splendor at Meenthullippara near Kuttiady river at Chakkittapara in Kozhikode district with freestyle kayaking being the main attraction, tourists – both domestic and international flocked to the river side located near the western ghat ranges.

The 4-day fest, organized by the Kerala State Tourism Department was inaugurated at 11.30 am today at Chalippuzha River in Pulikkayam. 14 international kayakers from 8 foreign countries are competing in different events. Participants from Russia, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway and Nepal have already reached Kozhikode days before the fest.

“The river fest has witnessed an increase participation as every year passes. This time around the number of people who have come from various parts of the country have also increased as compared to the previous years. The river fest is a major factor to uplift the tourism sector in the Malabar region”, said Joy Arakkal, convenor of Malabar River Fest.

The event, which started 20 years ago, has significantly boosted the popularity of white water and flat water rafting among youngsters in the region. This year, over 110 boys and 30 women will participate in various categories, showcasing a notable increase in women’s involvement.
Originally more popular in northern India, the rafting has gained substantial traction in Kerala thanks to the Malabar River Festival. The festival has provided a platform for water sport enthusiasts to explore rafting in Kerala’s rivers, leading to increased participation in national and international events
The 2024 festival will host over 100 national-level kayakers from India and professionals from more than 20 countries. Events include exciting programs like water rallies, swimming championships, water polo and fish bait contests. Organised by the Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (ATPS), the District Tourism Promotion Council and the Kozhikode District Panchayat, the festival aims to put Kerala’s rivers on the map as world-class kayaking destinations and inspire both professional and local kayakers.

Events to enjoy

The Kayak Cross open category event is held on Friday and its amateur category event will be held on Saturday. It’s an event in which multiple paddlers race on waters to test their agility and speed, over a short, obstacle-filled course. The Downriver Race, a time trial over a longer course in which paddlers race over a set distance navigating waves and rapids, will be held on Sunday. It will decide who are the ‘rapid raja’ and ‘rani’ of the events.