Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

Snake boat race at Punnamada backwaters on August 12th 2006.

This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August, every year. The major attraction of the boat race is the competition of snake boats or Chundanvallams. These boats stretch about 100 feet in length, with a raised stern, resembling the raised hood of a snake. They are usually rowed by men numbering around 100; rowing in union and in an aggressive manner.

The racecourse, having a length of about 1370 m, is divided into various tracks for the conduct of the competition. When they are advancing through various tracks, it appears like the fast moving snakes. The oarsmen splash the oars in unison with rhythmic chants. The movements of competing boats are so thrilling that the spectators get in tune with the excited mood of the surrounding uproars.

Apart from the races of chundanvalloms (snakeboats) and of smaller country crafts, the event offers many fascinating sights such as ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats. It is the cherished ambition of all boat clubs to win the prestigious Nehru Trophy, which is considered as a matter of pride and prestige.

Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Snake

Snake boat race at Pulinkunnu backwaters on August 26th 2006.(Last Saturdays of August)

Onam Festival on September 5th

Onam is the state festival of Kerala(Harvest Festival)

Onam is one of the most significant harvest festivals of Kerala and is an attraction for thousands of people outside and within the state. All the activities during this season are centered on worshipping, music, dance, sports, boat races and good food. This festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month Chingam (ending of August and beginning of September). Onam celebrates the reward of nature after a year of hard work. The merry making of the festival includes an elaborate procession of Trichur and amusing boat races on River Pampa. Women dress up in heavy jewellery and new saris and make complex and detailed designs of “rangolis” and “pokkalam”(with flowers) in front of their homes.

Onam is celebrated in the memory of King Mahabali. It was said that King Mahabali ruled Kerala a long time ago and looked after the welfare of the people. Thus Onam shows the blissful rule of the King and the freedom, which the people enjoyed under his rule. The people also believe that during Onam, the King returns to Kerala to pay a visit to his people.