Importance

Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races is the most spectacular events of Kerala. With this event, Kerala brings into notice the cultural heritage of backwater region. This race takes place every year on second Saturday of August. Being the popular of boat races, Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races draws loads of spectators. Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races marks the season of Onam festival. Physical prowess, ecstatic atmosphere and team spirit with hoards of spectators are the major attributes of Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races in Kerala.

History

The tradition of Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races is associated with the visit of Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru from Kottayam to Alappuzha. On his way back to Alappuzha in the year 1952, he was greeted by boatmens. He became enchanted by the speed and pace of the snake boats and donated it with an inscription: "To the winner of the boat-race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin".

Attractions

On the day of race, tranquil lake is inundated with approximately two lakh spectators that include snake boats chundanvallams. Watching Chundans(snake boats) is a pleasurable experience that has a length of about 100 feet along with raised prow. Hundreds of oarsman board beautifully crafted snake boats followed by rhythmic music.

Activities

The preparations for the Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races are started few weeks before the event. From each village best boatman is selected who undergoes vigorous practice sessions under the supervision of senior instructors. Besides this, the boats are polished and repaired with the fish oil mixture, eggs as well as coconut shell carbon so as to maintain the fast pace of the boats. However the sole motive is to attain the victory in the race.