Singing traditional boat songs, the oarsmen splash their oars into the water to the rhythm of the songs. They guide their boats to cruise along, seemingly like a fish on the move. The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a spectacular show of pageantry. Though ostensibly a competitive event, the festival is more a visual extravaganza. To date on the eve of Thiru Onam the boat Palliodam floats down from Katoormana to the accompaniment of blowing of conch shells, music and drum beating.
Torches are lit and snake boats accompany the procession.
The colourful boat festival is held on Uthruttathi or the fifth day after Thiru Onam. Each snake boat belongs to a village along the banks of the river Pamba and is worshipped like a deity. Only men are allowed to board or even touch a boat and that just barefoot. Every year the boat is oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs. The black mixture keeps the wood strong and the boat slippery in the water.