Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This
annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district
on the second Saturday of August.
The event is a commemoration of the visit to this place by the late Prime
Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952.
The spectacular races features magnificent snake boats
or 'Chundans'. The
boisterous and rhythmic boat songs or Vanchipattu work the spectators to
a state of frenzy.
Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula
in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple
festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing
cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.
Each boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship,
with the stem curved to resemble the hood of a snake and a tampering bow.
Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by
a crew of more than 100 men.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi.
Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism
Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe.
The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition
to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted
trophy of the race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime
Minister of India.
Boat Race, Kerala Festivals Reservation
Form