Snake Boat Race in Kerala
The Snake Boats or "Chundan Vallams" are 110 feet long and 5 feet wide to seat up to 100 people. The rowers pull with all their might, seated in two rows along the length of the Snake Boat. The boats float low in the water and have a long curving stern. The prow is pointed and may have a decorative knob at the end. The prow rides low in the water with the length of the Snake Boat extending behind it. Apart from rowers, the Snake boat carries a cox and leaders who maintain the rhythm of rowing through chants, songs and exclamations, all precariously perched at the stern which rises 10 feet above the water level.
Snake Boat races festivals are held in many venues in Kerala, but the Snake Boat race festival held in Alappuzha just before the Onam festival in August or September every year is the best known. The annual Snake Boat race festival held in Alappuzha is a thrilling event where Snake Boats compete for the Nehru Trophy. Many ethnic teams participate with their inspired teams of rowers and compete for the prestigious Nehru Trophy.
These annual races feature many classes of boats, but the most spectacular event is the race between the giant Snake Boats or Chundanvallams at the annual races or "Vallam Kali" held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha.
Jawaharlal Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India dedicated the trophy to the people of Alappuzha after his visit to Kerala in 1952. As Nehru arrived in Alappuzha, he was given a grand welcome along the backwaters with hundreds of swift-moving Snake Boats. Seeing the rowers prowess, he suggested an annual race be held and donated the Nehru Trophy to be given to the winning team. The Nehru Trophy has a silver replica of a Snake Boat set on a base.
The annual Snake Boat races festival is held in a celebratory atmosphere. The snake boat races at Alappuzha have become a popular attraction for international travelers. You will see Alappuzha decked up at its best, during the race.
