Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala

14 August 2010

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most colourful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at Punnamada Lake in Alleppey, just over an hour from Cochin, on the second Saturday of every August. This prestigious cultural event of Kerala attracts spectators from all over the world. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alleppey the main attraction of which is the sporting spirit among the participants.

This trophy was donated by the late Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru to the winners of the first boat race which was an impromptu event conducted in 1952 in his honour when he visited the area.

CHUNDAN VALLAM (SNAKE BOAT)

The boats of Kerala are known for their shapes, sizes or purposes. The Chundaanvallam, or snake boat, is named because of its pointed prow, long sleek hull and raised stern resembling the hood of a snake. The typical length of a snake boat is about 60-65 meters and a capacity of 100-110 people.  The stern is majestically caparisoned and decorated with a flag and brass ornaments. Silken parasols are spread along the entire length of the boat. There are normally about 95 oarsmen, 5 Amarakkar (Controllers) and 10 'Nilakkar' (members of the team responsible for motivating the oarsmen, enhancing their vigour and enthusiasm!). Snake boats were the traditional battle vessels of Kerala.

VANCHIPATTU (SONG OF THE BOATMAN)

These energetic, rhythmic songs were created to keep up the spirits of the boatmen, as they pump every ounce of energy into winning the race. The songs blend perfectly with the movement of the oars, helping maintain perfect synchronicity. Every snake boat has about 10 singers keeping time with traditional percussion instruments.

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