Nehru Trophy Ward

A Brief Introduction to the Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Snake boat race, as it is well known as, is the most enthralling annual event of the southern most state of Kerala in the month of August. Held in the Punnamada Lake in the district of Alappuzha (or Alleppey ), this traditional hobby of the boatmen of the locality has taken a shape into a national event which is watched by Indian and foreigners alike.

This spectacular event features magnificent snake boats or 'Chundans', with around 100 oarsmen rowing the boat in one rhythm and a leader encouraging them along with a drummer to pick up the rhythm. All this works into a state of frenzy for the oarsmen as well as the spectators watching the event. The speed in which the boats are rowed into seem like the snakes slithering in water!

This casual hobby of the oarsmen turned into a national event. It all started way back in 1952, when the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was visiting the place. The oarsmen came up with this fantastic performance in the honour of the Prime Minister. So thrilled was Mr. Nehru, with the excellent performance of the race, that he presented a silver trophy to the oarsmen, on reaching back to delhi. Since then this event has been taking place in the lake as a commemoration to the first visit of the Prime Minister and his encouragement to the whole event.

Today every year in August, each district of the state brings its wining boat to the venue and presents a thrilling performance… of course the best wins!

The next Nehru Trophy boat race will be held on August 13th 2005.