The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is an annual event held on the Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala. Taking place on the second Saturday of August, the race features the famous snake boats, or “Chundan Vallams,” and attracts around 200,000 spectators, including tourists from around the world. On a 1370-meter racecourse divided into tracks, oarsmen row in unison to rhythmic chants and drumbeats, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The race is a thrilling spectacle, with synchronised rowing and cultural performances like Kathakali, Theyyam, and Panchavadyam. Preparations involve weeks of practice and communal feasts, symbolising unity among diverse communities. The event is a major cultural highlight for the local communities, who celebrate the victories with great enthusiasm.
