[edit] Energy at its best
Kerala is rich in traditional sports the most famous of them is the Snake Boat Race, its origins embedded in the history of Kerala. This electrifying event marks the spirit of joy, vigour and excitement with a thrilling experience. Snake Boat Race draws people from all around the globe to witness this event which sparks the energy in them to be a part of all the happenings.
This race makes the silent backwater to talk and move along with the charged up oarsmen who row their boats on to the rhythm of singers motivating them and pushing them to cross the finish line with glory.
The 50 m long wooden boats, can accommodate over 100 oarsmen, and more than 15 singers all busting with energy and vigour. It attracts many as they steer along the backwater with the body swaying on the rhythm of songs and war cries. People gather along the river beds to see how charmly the oarsmen guide their boats in tandem with the thirst for victory.
This traditional Snake Boat (Chunduvallom) is constructed from massive tree trunks, shaped like huge snakes with their prows shaped like open snake jaws. It is painted in vibrant colours adding to their beauty.
To get a chance to witness this eye-chanting event do plan a visit to the coconut land during the Malayalam month Chingam (August-September) when this event is held in the backwaters of Kerala.
The famous of the boat race is Nehru Trophy Boat Race, it’s held at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. The boat race is a symbol of unity and integration with the spirit of joy and liveliness. This trophy was named as Nehru Trophy was donated by the Late Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru to the winners of the first boat race during 1952. He himself got amazed and was thrilled by the energy of the event.
Till then this aquatic gala is held every year in the mesmerizing ambiance of Alappuzha with spectators in huge numbers cheering their teams with great joy.
[edit] Few other Boat Races of Kerala
- Aranmula Snake Boat Race.
- Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race.
- Champakulam Moolam Snake Boat Race.
- Payippad Boat Race.
- Pamba Snake Boat Race.
