The Malayalam month
of Chingal corresponds to the northern Indian month of Bhadrapada
(August–September), and is celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Onam is a four-day harvest celebration marked by races in
intricately carved boats known as "snake boats," some of which may
carry up to 100 paddlers.
The most notable of these boat races takes place at Aleppey,
Kerala.
