Polishing Snake Boat for Smooth Glide

Snake Boats or Chundan Vallams are popular during many of the boat races held in Kerala, India. They are a big hit during the Nehru Trophy boat race, held on the Punnamada backwater, every year in Alappuzha, Kerala. Shown in this video are oarsmen polishing a Snake Boat, prior to their participation in the Nehru Trophy boat race.

Polishing is done by using paste made by mixing of raw eggs and coconut oil. By doing so, the boat’s hull surface becomes well polished, which in turn will help to attain a smooth glide and a good pace.