Boat races are a consequential part of the culture and traditions of Kerala. Kerala hosts several boat races among which the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most sensational one, that grabs the attention of the world to Alappuzha. This prestigious boat race is held every year on the second Saturday of August at the Punnamada Lake in Alleppey to honour the visit of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952.

The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on the second Saturday of August every year. The first ever boat race was conducted in 1952 and Jawaharlal Nehru happens to witness this rowing event. The enthusiasm of the people excited him during the event.

The first-ever winner of the snake boat race was Nadubhagam Chundan. Nehru, after returning to Delhi, donated a silver trophy which was a replica of a snake boat to the winners.

The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words are inscribed. The 100-120 feet long canoes made of a forest wood locally called “Aanjili thadi” carrying 90- 110 rowers which moves like a snake through the channels (hence the name), is an eye catching sight for any tourist. The Chundan Vallam also has the record as “the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose”.

The 4850 ft long Boat Race invites participation from women and children in equal measure. Preparations for the event start months in advance, commencing with lubrication of the vessel with sardine oil. Practice sessions for the participants begin months ahead, who also undertake certain vows before taking over the oars.

Due to the devastating flood, the 66th Nehru Trophy Boat Race was postponed to 10th November 2018 and Payippadan Chundan was the winner. Eighty-one boats took part in the race, among them 25 were Chundan Vallam (snake boats) and the rest were Cheru Vallam (small boats). This annual extravaganza shows the brilliant come back of the flood-hit God's Own Country.