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Fairs and Festivals
Nehru Trophy Boat Race – Get Ready to Watch a Fierce Battle on Water
Boat races are popular across the globe, but none of them can match the grandeur of the boat races held in Kerala from July to September. Among many such events in the state, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in the Alappuzha District is definitely once in a lifetime opportunity. Winning the race is a matter of great prestige for the participating groups and clubs and the winner often celebrates the win for months. Find out complete information about the race to register your presence.
History
Though, boat races are more than 400 years old in the region, Nehru Trophy Boat Race particularly attained limelight in 1952 when the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the first official edition and presented a silver trophy to the winner. The event would complete its 62nd year in 2014.
Celebrations
About 100 ft. long boats, called Chundan Vallams or Snake Boats (for their snake like construction), participate to win the race over the water track of about 1,400 m. length. Each boat is rowed by scores of oarsmen who create furious splashing sounds, adding thrill to the overwhelming atmosphere. Energetic music from drums and other traditional instruments adds to the whole drama.
Races are also held for the smaller boats that are followed by invigorating water processions and eye-pleasing floating patterns of decorated boats. Hundreds of thousands of cheerful spectators fill the promenades, platforms and houseboats to watch this exceptional competition.
Visitors Information
Venue: Lake Punnamada (a part of the Lake Vembanand)
Date: August 09, 2014 (second Saturday of August)
Access: Alappuzha is accessible by National Highway 47 from all major cities of the region like Coimbatore, Thrissur, Kollam, Trivandrum and Kochi. Alappuzha Railway Station is about 8 km. from the venue, while the closest airport is the Kochi International Airport, about 83 km. away.
Tickets: Nehru Trophy Boat Race tickets can be purchased from the stalls near the venue or your tour operator can help you arrange them. Tickets cost around $1 for regular and $25 for VIP access. Many visitors prefer to watch the event from houseboats by paying special costs.
In case you miss the event, you can plan to attend other equally exciting boat races of the region. Some of them are Payippad Boat Race and Kumarakom Boat Race (on September 8) and Aranmula Boat Race (on September 10).
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