Styled after India version, Brampton Boat Race coming up soon

Styled after India’s “Vallaumkali”, the Brampton Boat Race – actually, a day of races – will feature dozens of teams pitting themselves against each other in dragon boats on August 19.

Brampton Malayalee Samajam, an area group, has been organizing the meet since 2009, and as always it will be held on Professor’s Lake (1660 North Park Drive) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brampton Boat Race is one of the only such events that hosts the traditional Vallamkali in the whole of North America, bringing alive the team spirit, integration, and amity of Brampton and boat racing teams from “Gods Own Country,” Kerala, a southern state in India.

Brampton Boat Race includes a water procession, entertainment and races to win a trophy and a cash price.

“The Brampton Malayalee Samajam is a cultural organization whose mandate is to promote cultural, educational and social activities so that the group’s heritage and artistic history can be preserved and fostered,” says Kurian Prakkanam, president and organizer of Brampton Boat Race.

Prakkanam said the Brampton Boat Race imitates the traditional boat races that have long been observed in Kerala, India. The festivities will also be inspired by the original festivities that took place in the city.

“Huge crowds gathered to watch the races and people were thrilled by the magnificent fiesta that brought alive the tranquil backwaters,” says Prakkanam.

Here’s Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown with Prakkanam and Mississauga Councillor Rowena Santos, who organized a City Hall team, explaining what the day means.

The #Brampton Boat Race is a great way to experience Professor’s Lake. The race is inspired by the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Kerala, India and features community teams, including the City Hall Barracudas. Come out to race or watch on Sat Aug 19 with our Malayalee community.… pic.twitter.com/sYUHUldyFj

— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) August 10, 2023