The Aranmula Boat Race the oldest river boat festival in Kerala, the south western State of India is held during Onam (AugustâÂÂSeptember). It takes place at Aranmula, near Sri Parthasarady Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting watched by an exciting crowd.