The Nehru Trophy boat race

The August to October calendar in Kerala, South India is marked by regattas and one of the better known among them is the Nehru Trophy boat race that takes place in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha (Alleppey) district.

This boat race is conducted on the second Saturday of August every year, commemorating country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Alappuzha town. He appreciated the race and donated a trophy for it.

The 100 ft long snake boats (chundan vallom/vallam) participating in the race and the excitement of the competitors, singing the boat songs are together a sight to behold. Thousands of people come from different parts of the country to view the event.