Kerala snake boat race in progress

Kerala snake boat race taking place in Alleppey, Kerala....

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat play/game, but can be translated to boat race in English. The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams (snake boats). Hence the race is also known as Snake Boat Race in English. Other types boats which participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam.

The race conducted on the second Saturday of August every year is a major tourist attraction.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of Independent India visited Kerala in 1952. He was given a roaring reception by the people of Alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words are inscribed.

To the winner of the boat-race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin.

The 100--120 foot long canoes made of a wood locally called "Aanjili thadi" carrying 90- 110 rowers which moves like a snake through the channels (hence the name), is an eye catching sight for any tourist. The Chundan Vallam also has the record as "the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose" .

Karichal, Kallooparamban, champakulam, Nadubhagom, Paayipaadu, Kaavalam, Alapaatu, Aanari, Cheruthana, Aayaparambu, St. George, Jawahar Thaayankari, Vallamkulangara, Valiya Divanji, Sri.Ganesh, Paarthasarathy, Ambedkar, Mutteal Kainakary, Ellikkulam, Vadakkeaattupuram and Deva's Chundan are the name of popular snake boats who participate in the Chundan Vallam category. Famous Karichal Chundan winning the Nehrutrophy Boat Race in 14 times.Karichal chundan is the Fastest chundan in NehruTrophy Boat Race Year 2011 Heats Time : 4m.30s (www.karichalchundan.com)

Palliyodam, or Royal Canoe of Aranmula, is the other type of snake boat. This year,the 60th Nehru Trophy Boat race is conducted as a three day program.The tranquil Alappuzha with its corduroy of canals undergoes a transformation in early August to a frenzy activity and enthusiasm which reaches it is summit on the second Saturday, the day on which the world famous 'kuttanad's Olympics on Water is held annually.


Source :- Wikipedia

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