The annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race commenced in Alappuzha without a local holiday, despite a political storm. A request for a holiday by an MLA was reportedly followed by a Chief Minister's remark, captured on an open mic, stating it wouldn't be granted. The MLA expressed disappointment but remains hopeful for a holiday next year, emphasizing the event's cultural significance for Kuttanad.

The controversy arose after a UDF MLA sought a local holiday in for a local annual boat race, a request that Satheesan seemed to dismiss in an open mic remark | India News

DYFI protests against CM's rejection of a local holiday for the historic Champakulam Moolam Boat Race in Alappuzha.