Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2025

Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2025

During the monsoon season Kerala comes alive with its splendid snake boat race. It is a cultural procession of boats held in Punnamada Lake, known as The Nehru Trophy Boat Race; named after India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This was started in 1952 when Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha.

Held on second Saturday of August every year it’s the most popular event of Vallam Kali which means boat racing in English. Over thousand and hundred locals, national and international tourists gathered on the bank of the Punnamada Lake to witness the spectacular water regatta. Magnificent chundanvalloms (snake boats) compete for the precious trophy. It is considered to be the largest Team Sport in the world.

A snake boat is actually a long traditional canoe style boat. These boats are constructed according to specifications taken from the Sthapathya Veda. Typical snake boats are 100 to 120 feet in length with the rear portion rising to a height of about 20 feet. To make the boat slippery it is oiled the mixer of fish oil, the ash of coconut shells, and eggs so the boat can move smoothly through water. Traditionally each of the villages in the region has its own snake boat and the villagers worship that boat like a deity. Only men are allowed to touch the boat, and as the Indian tradition to show respect they should be barefooted.

Winner Lists Nehru Trophy Boat Race

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