---

Nehru Trophy Boat Race
On the second Saturday of August every year the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which is the most colorful water sport and popular of the boat races is held on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha. The tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people. On the day of this sternly fought boat race, including tourists from abroad, people coming to watch the event. A victory at this race is something to be celebrated by the people of each village in Kuttanad.

India's first Prime Minister, Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha and inaugurated the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This was started in 1952. This race is conducted every year in honor of Panditji. In this interesting water sport the gigantic snake boats with over 100 rowers in each raced one another; it is called a Snake Boat Race as its 135 feet length has since been overhauled by Vellankulangara snake boat, which is 140 feet long. The trophy is mock-up on a snake boat made completely in silver that is placed on a wooden dais on which Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru are inscribed above his signature: "To the winner of the boat-race, this is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin”. This was later named as 'Nehru Trophy'.

In ancient times also the king’s army used the snake boats for brisk mobilization of personnel due to its pointed front and a tall hind, and moreover its unrivaled speed enabled the army for surprise strike on the enemy’s encampments. More than seven types of boats by name Oadi, Iruttukuthi, churulan, Kothumbu, Valavara, Veppu and Kettu and about twenty four snake boats and in the race each types having their own competition. The most admired and sensational is the boat or Chundan amongst all these the Snake Boat. For an accomplishment of the competition, this Race course is having a length of about 1370 meters and it is divided into a range of tracks.  When the boats are advancing through various tracks, it appears like the fast movement of snakes.  The oarsmen splash the oars in harmony with the rhythmic chants and beats of drums.  The movements of competing boats are so thrilling that the spectators get a tune with the excited mood of the surrounding uproars.

---

Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Center of Activity: Cochin Backwaters
Time of Celebration: Last week of December
Main Attraction: Boat Race

In memory of the former Indian Prime Minister, Late Mrs Indira Gandhi a Boat Race is organized every year in the backwaters of Kochi in the last week of December. The race aims at encouraging tourism in Kerala. Every one is in high spirits while watching this race on the Ernakulam Lake. The planning for the Indira Gandhi Boat Race begins several weeks in advance. The uniqueness of this race lies in the sportive and positive spirit of the participants. Around 150 oarsmen, each representing a different village, vow to observe strict rules during the game. During the practice sessions and on the festival day the food is provided either by the villagers or by the rich families.

The participants include native agriculturalists and fishermen. Such races give them a relaxed change from their every day routine along with an opportunity to show off their skills. A selection process is followed for selecting both the boats and the oarsmen. The men are selected on the basis of their performances and not on artificial grounds such as caste, creed or class. This boat race not only promotes team spirit but also communal harmony. It’s a treat for those who are planning to visit this beautiful state.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race attracts tourists from near and far. Sixteen huge majestic boats or famously known as the Snake boats participate in this boat racing festival. These huge boats racing against each other are a scene to watch out for. The sky is filled with the joyous cheers from the crowds.  It indeed is a delightful sight. The boat race ends with the giving away of the trophy to the winner and what remains is the thrill experienced by the crowd.

---

Champakulam Boat Race
Kerala is the gateway to one of the richest cultures of the world. It is the storehouse of India’s cultural legacy. The festivals of Kerala preserve the rich cultural heritage of India. Champakkulam Boat Race celebrates this holistic legacy of this land. Champakkulam Boat Race is the oldest and the most well known boat races of Kerala. The Champakkulam Boat Race is held according to the Malayalam calendar. Usually, it is held on Moolam Vallamkali. Moolam denotes a Malayalam star or Nakshathram of the month Mithunam. Champakkulam boat race takes place on the river Pampa. People from across the world come to witness this grand event. This boat race has a legend behind it.

According to the legend Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri was told by the royal priest to build a temple at Ambalappuzha. Before the deity was placed in the temple the Maharaja learned that the deity was not auspicious. His minister suggested him to get the idol of Sree Krishna from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi. On the advice of his priest the Maharaja went to the temple and returned back with the idol.

In the boat race a boat is held by four rudders, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen who row in concord to the fast rhythm of the Vanchipattu, the song of the boatmen. Local people assemble in large numbers to witness this magnificent event. This boat race has attracted tourists from all over the globe. Champakulam boat race along with the other boat races symbolizes an integral part of Kerala's rich and glorious tradition of folk arts.

---

Aranmula Boat Race
The Aranmula Boat Race, Kerala is celebrated in high spirits during the festival of Onam. The festival of Onam which is celebrated for two days takes place during the month of August or September. Along with being a social event, Aranmula Boat Race, Kerala also carries a religious significance. It is celebrated near a temple that is devoted to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Thousands of people assemble near the bank of river Pampa to watch the races of the snake boat. About thirty snake boats or ‘chundan vallams’ participate in the Aranmula Boat Race, Kerala. Oarsmen wear white dhotis and turbans. They sing the traditional boat songs which are in tune with the musical mood of the festival. The boat is decorated with a golden lace on the head and a flag and a beautiful umbrella at the center. Each Snake Boat belongs to a village along the banks of the river Pampa. To keep the wood strong the boats are oiled with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs. The village carpenter carries out annual repairs. People take pride in their boats. The boats represent their villages.

History of the Aranmula Boat Race in Kerala
According to legend, a devotee was once carrying gifts for Lord Krishna. Unfortunately his boat was robbed. This incident left him miserable. In order to give him comfort, the Lord himself appeared before him and advised him to make larger boats so that they could be rowed by several men, this lead to the building of snake boats. The people of Aranmula believe that on the day of the race the boats receive some of the powers of the God.

The Snake Boats are mostly 100 feet long with narrow end, which stands up like a scorpion's tail. More than 100 people can be accommodated.  There are usually around 100 oarsmen, 20 singers and 4 helmsmen on a single boat. The aim of the race is much deeper than winning a trophy. The boats try to keep up with each other's speed and reach the finish line simultaneously. The race celebrates team spirit. The crowd enjoys every moment of this cultural journey. The boats are creatively ornamented with red silk umbrellas. Aranmula Boat Race is a time to have fun and spread cheer.