Keeping alive an age-old tradition, M.R. Raveendra Babu Bhattathiri—eldest member of the Mangattu Illam in Kumaranallur, Kottayam—here on Saturday set sail to the Sreeparthasarathy temple at Aranmula on the banks of the Pampa river.
The Churulan Vallam carrying Mr. Bhattathiri and the oarsmen, which began its journey in the morning, is slated to reach Aranmula on the eve of the Thiruvonam day.
During the voyage, the boat will traverse the rivers of Meenachil, Manimala, and Pampa through Kidangara, near Changanassery, and Thiruvalla to reach the Mahavishnu temple near Cherukol.
