Nehru Trophy Boat Race Festivals - നെഹ്‌റു ട്രോഫി ബോട്ട് രാസ്

Boat Racing is to Kerala what Bull Fighting is to Spain. The presence of so many back waters facilitates the flourishing of this water sport. The large number of regattas that are held each year in the state of Kerala is an integral part of the culture of the state. In fact the Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Alappuzha is held with such a lot of fanfare that it can very well be compared with a festival.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Kerala is held on the Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha. The area is thronged by teeming millions who come to witness this spectacular event. The occasion attracts visitors from all across the world. The participants in this race compete fiercely to come out as winners. The sight of the men rowing the Chundans or Snake Boats is admirable. All the rowers are willing to put in their best efforts to achieve glory for their villages. It is a matter of great pride for the villagers to achieve victory in this race. There is a frenzied excitement in the air. The air reverberates with cheers and applauses.

History of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Kerala

In the year 1952, the then prime minister of India visited Alappuzha. In honor of his visit, a boat race was organized in Alappuzha. Nadubhagam Chandan emerged as the winner of this boat race. Panditji was simply elated at their success.

Without bothering about the security arrangements he jumped into the winning boat. The boat sailed with him to the jetty. After his return to Delhi, a silver trophy was built following his instructions. It was to be given to the winner of that race. The trophy itself was named after him as the Nehru trophy. The trophy resembles a snake boat placed on a wooden base and the following words are inscribed on it: "To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin." Ever since, this boat race is being held to commemorate his visit.

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada- August)

Nehru Trophy Boat race, is one of the most significant and colourful boat races in Kerala. It is a world renowned event, held annually on the second Saturday of the month of August in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. Boats of all sizes compete in different events in the boat race and . The most prestigious and interesting event among the races is the competition of the "Chundan Vallam" or the snake boats. These majestic boats measuring a length of 30 to 60 metres (over 100 ft) with a raised prow, are quite impressive and can accommodate around 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheer leaders. The boats are well decorated with colourful trimmings and umbrellas during the race. Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the chief competitors for the trophy. The huge boats racing through the blue backwaters is a spectacular sight. The venue is 5kms from Alappuzha railway station and a walk able distance from Alappuzha bus stand.

This race became a regular annual event after the visit of India's 1st prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 to Alappuzha. He was so impressed with the impromptu race conducted on his behalf that he donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus, with the words "To the winner of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore - Cochin" inscribed on it. The next year onwards the race came to be conducted on a regular basis in commemoration of his visit.

Time for Celebrating Festivals

Each year the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on the second Saturday of the month of August.