Nehru trophy boat race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race ,held on 13 August this year - offering you yet another great reason to be in God’s Own country. This not-to-miss event which began in 1952 when India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha is now a major boat race held on the second Saturday of every August and features the gigantic snake-boats of Kerala, known as 'Chundan Valloms'. This rare event symbolizes the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater country.
The Nehru Trophy race is the largest team sport in the world where the main event consists of a stiff competition between the magnificent snake boats for the coveted Nehru trophy. Chundan valloms are usually snake boats manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 - 125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the vanchipattu (song of the boatman) churning the still waters in a fascinating rhythm and showering a spray of water all around.
Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The spectacular assemblage of Chundans (Snake Boats) and the excitement that builds up as the race progress reaches its crescendo towards the finishing point.
More on chundan valloms / Snake boats
Chundan valloms or Snake boats of Kerala are over 24 to 36 metres long with raised sterns designed to resemble the hood of a cobra. These giant backwater wonders can accommodate up to 100 oarsmen.
Kerala has always ha in the state, the rulers of the various kingdoms would be accompanied on their journeys by quite a few boats - each for a particular purpose like carrying food, clothes and vessels, servants, women, arms etc. These royal entourages, colourful processions were and a wide range of ethnic boats which served various purposes of transportation. The most grandiose among these being the Chundan valloms. When aristocracy was prevalent exciting spectacle for the people. Once royalty moved out of the scene these processions became a ritualistic tradition to be kept alive.
NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE
Location : Alappuzha, Kerala (India)To Commemmorate : The Visit Of Jawahar Lal Nehru To This Place
Centre of Activity : Punnamada Backwaters
Held In : 2nd Saturday Of August, Every Year
