Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Overview
Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Kerala's Water Regatta

The distinct culture of Kerala witnesses a dramatic, colourful and significant boat race every year with the Nehru Trophy Boat Race competition being held at Punnamada backwaters in Alappuzha. Its definitely an interesting spectacle to watch innumerable number of boats, of various shapes and sizes, competing with gusto in this remarkable event.

Till 2014, Kerala has already observed these boat races for the past 62 years. Tourists from all over the world visit this spectacular event which is one of its own kind, celebrated only in Kerala. More than 2,00,000 people, including foreign tourists from various parts of the world, travel to Alappuzha to witness the event.

History

The prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held to commemorate the first visit of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to Alappuzha in 1952. Definitely, it is a rare spectacle to witness the machismo, mettle and intense melodrama, weaved into ticking minutes, as these snake boats literally put the serene backwater on fire. The race has a frantic, feverish fervour to it, especially with the perfect synchrony that is practised within it.

 

Following are the major attractions of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race:

Rituals: Along with these boat races, there are other ceremonial functions that are equally enjoyable in this annual regatta. Few of them include the traditional water possessions, decoration of boats and the spectacular floating of boats. The preparation for the boat race starts months in advance. The snake boats are also lubricated with sardine oil to mark the beginning of the event.

Boats: The Snake Boats (Chundan Vallam)  are the main types of boats that participate in the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. There are other types of boats, differing on their craftsmanship, that are also included- Kochu Vallam, Vadakkanody Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Odi Vallam and Iruttukuthy Vallam. 72 different boats had actively participated in 2014.

Legends: Though, the Nehru Boat Race commemorates the visit of India's first Prime Minister to Kerala, the other water activities have a legendary connection. Few water celebrations like the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race also worship the Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, Kerala. The Payipad Boat Race in the coastal town of Haripad also has religious connotations.

The Boat Race: Pompous participation in the boat race, with artistically designed 'Chundan Vallams' ready to create a magical memory, definitely means a lot to every village. Hence, every snake boat is decorated with a lot of panache. For example, every snake boat has 95 oarsmen, 10 cheerleaders (nilakkar) and 5 controllers (amarakkar). The spirit of these boatmen is held high through the energetic melody of catchy songs (Vanchipattu). Most of these songs have both mythological and devotional notes to it.

Excursions from Alappuzha:  Along with enjoying the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, one must also pay a visit to the Mullackal Bhagavathi Temple, coir manufacturing process and the Alleppey beach. Tourists can also explore Kottayam (47 km), Kochi (58 km), Periyar (131 km) and Munnar (160 km).

 

When to Visit: This world renowned event takes place on the second Saturday of every August.

 

How to Visit:
Air: The two nearest airports to Alappuzha are Kochi (85 km) and Thiruvananthapuram (150 km).
Rail: Alappuzha is easily connected by the main cities in Kerala and South India by railway lines.

Road: State transport buses, taxis and cabs are easily available from the near by cities in Kerala to reach Alappuzha.