The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most colorful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha on the second Saturday of August every year and this prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people from all over the world. Though it is a festival,what stands apart is the sportive spirit among the participants of the race. Even though innumerable numbers of boat races are held in Kuttanad and several parts of Alappuza every year, Nehru Trophy Boat race is a class of its own and has gained a popularity that no other boat race in Kerala can boast of. Typical snake boats are 100 to 120 feet long, and hold around 100 rowers This race is held in memory of India's late Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. An impromptu snake boat race was held in 1952 when the Prime Minister visited Alleppey. Apparently he was so impressed with the welcome and the race, he donated a trophy. The race has continued on ever since.
The trophy named 'NEHRU TROPHY' is awarded to the winner of the boat race. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Punditji are inscribed above his signature. This aquatic festival fosters a sense of unity, fraternity and sportsman spirit and attracts the largest number foreign tourists for any boat race of its kind. Many different kinds of country-boats like Iruttukuthy, Veppu and Churulan also participate in the race; women and students also compete in the events over a distance of 4850 ft. The beautiful scenery of the race area together with the exciting snake-boat race will ever remain a cherished memory for the onlookers.
The presence of high dignitaries and distinguished personalities has enhanced the fame of the Nehru Boat Race over the years. Kerala is celebrating its 61st Nehru trophy boat race. In fact this event has enabled Alappuzha to achieve prominence in the World Tourism Map. Tourists may watch this great sport and be a part of the thrill; a lot of accommodation options are available to the tourists near PUNNAMADA LAKE. Tourists can enjoy the thrill of sport by the day and retire to the silent beach by night.
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