Snake Boat Race
The 63rd Nehru Trophy Boat race, one of the largest team sports in the world, also known as “Vallamkali”, a true colourful water carnival, world legendary event, held annually on the second Saturday 8th August 2015, in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala.
Over sixty boats of various sizes and shapes participated, integrating caste, religion, social and cultural diversity of God’s own country. The Exquisite, prestigious and interesting event among the races is the competition of the inspiring “Chundan Vallam” or the snake boats. These majestic boats measuring a length of 30 to 60 metres (over 100 ft) with a raised prow are quite impressive and can accommodate around 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheerleaders. The boats are well decorated with colourful trimmings and umbrellas during the race. Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the chief competitors for the trophy. The spectacular boats racing through the blue backwaters of Kerala attracts several thousand spectators.