Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a well-liked water sport held in Punnamada Lake close to Alappuzha, Kerala. The boat race is famously referred to as the snake boat race as many snake boats(Chundan Vallam) compete within the race. The snake boat race is held on the 2nd Saturday of August yearly.

The snake boat( Chundan Vallam) is the standard battle boat that may accommodate virtually 100 rowers. The canoeing-style boat is 100-120 toes lengthy. The boats are used throughout the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, therefore the boat race is also called Snake Boat Race.

The snake boat race was held in 1952 for the primary time when Jawaharlal Nehru, the primary prime minister of Unbiased India visited Kerala. The prime minister was escorted from Kottayam to Alappuzha on the snake boat by the Punnamada Lake. The pageantry of snake boats accompanied him on the journey. The boat race was hyped with the rhythm of Vanchipattu (boat tune) and the sturdy oarsmen slashing their oars by the waters of Punnamada Lake.

Nadubhagam Chundan stood first within the race. Thrilled and excited by the efficiency of the oarsmen, Jawaharlal Nehru jumped on the Nadubhagam snake boat avoiding the issues of his safety personnel. Jawaharlal Nehru donated a Silver trophy which is a duplicate of the snake boat on a wood abacus with the next inscription alongside along with his signature:

“To the winners of the boat race which is a singular characteristic of neighborhood life in Travancore Kochi.”

Ever for the reason that race got here to be referred to as ” Prime Minister’s Trophy” later the race was renamed as “Nehru Trophy Boat Race.” The Alappuzha snake boat race is performed within the fond reminiscence of Jawaharlal Nehru yearly.

In any other case calm Punnamada Lakefront turns into a fierce sea of spectators boosted by the thrilling vibes unfold from the energetic oarsmen. TheVanchipattu, ” Thithai Thaka Thai Thai Thom“. The serene and calm environment of Alappuzha reverberate to the tunes of Vanchipattu. The tune motivates and elevates the spirits of the oarsmen to slice their oars with full pressure to victory.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is likely one of the must-see sights of Kerala if you’re planning a vacation throughout the month of August. For extra inquiries and particulars or to e-book your Kerala package deal excursions contact Funday Holidays.