Nehru Trophy Boat Race Festival in Kerala
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.
Venue: Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
FAQs:
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the
most prestigious and popular snake boat races in Kerala, held annually on the second
Saturday of August at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. This traditional boat race is
conducted to honour the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who
witnessed the race in 1952.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held at
Punnamada Lake, located in the town of Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala. The picturesque
backwaters provide the perfect setting for this grand event.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race commemorates the visit of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to
Alappuzha in 1952. After witnessing the exhilarating race, Nehru donated a silver
trophy shaped like a snake boat as a token of appreciation, which led to the annual
tradition of this event.
The boats used in the Nehru Trophy Boat
Race are called Chundan Vallam or snake boats. These boats are 100-120 feet long,
shaped like a snake, and are paddled by up to 110 rowers. Made from a special type
of forest wood called "Aanjili thadi," these boats move swiftly through the water,
creating a thrilling spectacle for onlookers.
The first Nehru Trophy Boat Race was held in 1952. The inaugural race was won by the
Nadubhagam Chundan snake boat.
Each year, around 80 boats participate in the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, with 25 of
them being snake boats (Chundan Vallam), while others are smaller boats (Cheru
Vallam). The competition among the boats is fierce, making it a thrilling event for
spectators.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a must-see because it is one of the most vibrant and
culturally rich events in Kerala. The sight of massive snake boats racing through
the backwaters, rowers chanting Vanchi Pattu, and the enthusiastic crowd cheering
creates a festive atmosphere unlike any other. It showcases the tradition, skill,
and community spirit of Kerala.
The winner is determined based on the speed and coordination of the rowers in each
boat. The team that crosses the finish line first wins the coveted Nehru Trophy,
which is a silver replica of a snake boat.
Yes, tourists from around the world are welcome to attend the Nehru Trophy Boat
Race. Special arrangements are made to accommodate visitors, including viewing
stands, boat tours, and cultural programs that offer a comprehensive experience of
Kerala's tradition and hospitality.
Apart from the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala hosts several other prominent boat
races, including:
- The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
-
The Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali
-
The Payippad Boat Race
-
The President’s Trophy Boat Race
