The Biggest Regatta, Kerala Vallam Kali

In one sentence and breath, the book is about a unique and exotic paddling regatta held in folks festival style, by over 800 farming communities in coastal Kerala, India in a great passion, fervor and intense competition of more than 80 boats and 5000 paddlers, attracting half a million zealous on-site spectators, as well as potentially over 2 Billion TV Viewers, half a globe around. In this context, it reveals many of the unexplained senses and sensibilities of an ancient culture and its traditions. There is a deeper meaning and surprising sagacity beneath its appearance. The culture, traditions, rituals, festivities, myths and mythology are fathomed with plausible scientific explanations and/or logical deductions. Implicitly and explicitly, they tend to compare oriental and occidental philosophies and attitudes. The race, festivities, the marine warfare legacy of each category of the race boats, the live video production & transmission with behind the scene activities and the thrilling running commentary are a few of the many highlights. The traditional way to build the boats using natural resources and the resourceful architecture codes dating back to the Vedic times is elaborately explained through its entire process "from a tree in the forest to a floating masterpiece". Along the way, readers are taken on a journey of many events, reclamation projects, myths, mythology, history, fallacy and themes of great significance and consequences. The nuances, rituals, the communal 'Sahya' banquet, the euphoric and hilariously eventful 'music mela' are narrated in the authentic and fascinating account. It compares the traditions and performance styles of Indian & Western music.

The human ecology, the biosphere consisting of the flora, fauna and fountains, as well as the sustainable lifestyle of the over thousand village communities, should provide an acceptable model for the world living, especially when the world is at the brink of existential threat and predicament. The plight of farming communities, the degradation of the environment and the consequent global trend of 'migration in desperation' that are now widely seen, is passionately discussed offering the real causes that are often ignored in media discussions and government policies. In this context, many scientific, technological and economic mitigation measures and practical solutions are discussed in an 'interactive presentation' event at the race exhibition venue. The book highlights the disparities of various social classes, genders, and the underprivileged. Faith & colonialism, exploitation & desecration, and falsification of historical events are candidly pointed out, perhaps drawing some ire and consternation. They are truly eye-openers and usefully thought-provoking.

Several anecdotal stories, inspirational speeches and eloquent poems spice up the reading pleasures. The many picture collages build reality and imagination to the descriptions and narration...