The traditional Vallam Kali boat race is celebrated in which Indian state during major temple festivals and the Onam season?

Introduction / Context:
Vallam Kali is a traditional boat race that has become an iconic symbol of the backwater culture of south India. It is widely featured in tourism campaigns, textbooks and documentaries about Indian festivals. Questions like this test familiarity with cultural geography, where states are linked with distinctive festivals, dances and sports.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Vallam Kali is a traditional boat race, often shown with long snake boats rowing in rhythm. • It is associated with temple festivals and celebrations during the Onam season. • We must identify the correct Indian state among the given options.

Concept / Approach:
The name Vallam Kali comes from the Malayalam language, where "vallam" means boat and "kali" means game. Onam is the state festival of Kerala, and the famous snake boat races at places such as Alappuzha, Aranmula and Champakulam are a highlight of the season. By connecting the language, festival and backwater setting, we can directly link Vallam Kali to Kerala and rule out other coastal states.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Vallam Kali refers to spectacular boat races conducted mainly in backwaters and rivers. Step 2: Remember that the most famous boat races in India, including the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, take place in Kerala. Step 3: Connect Onam, a harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kerala, with the timing of many Vallam Kali events. Step 4: Check each option. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are coastal states but do not have the same snake boat race tradition. Step 5: Conclude that Kerala is the only option that fits the cultural, linguistic and festival clues.

Verification / Alternative check:
Tourism materials, state government promotions and school books all showcase images of Vallam Kali as part of Kerala tourism. The races are organised on the Punnamada lake and other backwaters of Kerala, never in the deltas of West Bengal or the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This external confirmation supports Kerala as the correct state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Tamil Nadu: Famous for Pongal, classical dance and temple festivals, but not for snake boat races called Vallam Kali. West Bengal: Known for Durga Puja and Ganga delta culture, not for Vallam Kali tradition. Andhra Pradesh: Has its own riverine traditions, but lacks the famous Vallam Kali style races. Karnataka: Coastal state on the Arabian Sea but not associated with this specific Malayalam boat race.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that any coastal or backwater state might host similar boat races and guess randomly among southern options. The key is to notice the link with the Malayalam name and the Onam festival, which both point strongly to Kerala. Memorising such cultural associations greatly improves accuracy in geography and culture questions.

Final Answer:
The Vallam Kali boat race is celebrated in the state of Kerala.