Boat races in Kerala are an integral part of its tradition and culture. There are historical instances of disputes between kings and chiefs being settled by boat races in Kerala. These are all about enjoyment and teamwork and are held in the backwaters of Kerala, elevating the charm of these water canals. The Kerala Boat Festival is celebrated from July to September. Popular boat races like the Nehru Trophy Boat Race attract thousands of tourists to God’s Own Country.
A number of teams from different regions participate in boat races, which are organized annually. These races are organized specifically during temple festivals, which give these water sports an aura of religious sanctity.
A few of these races are ancient and have different myths and legends attached to them. These races are more popular in Alappuzha and nearby areas. Here is a list of yearly boat races that are organized at different tourist places in Kerala.
The Snake Boat Races, commonly known by the natives as Chundanvallams, are the most popular. A snake boat (or chundan vallam) is a long traditional canoe-style boat used by the people of the Kuttanad region in south India’s state of Kerala.
Typical snake boats are 100 to 120 feet long and hold around 100 rowers. Each village in the region has its own snake boat, which they take great pride in. Every year the villagers get together and race the boats along the lakes and rivers.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of all the boat races in Kerala. The race conducted on the second Saturday of August every year is a major tourist attraction.
The history of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is associated with the visit of the late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, to Alappuzha. He took a trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha by boat, through a waterlogged Kuttanad. A pageantry of boats accompanied him on the trip.
The first race was an impromptu one conducted in 1952 in honor of Panditji who visited Alappuzha. In that race of snake boats, Nadubhagam Chundan stood first.
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Panditji, who was thrilled and excited by the performance of the oarsmen, jumped into the Nadubhagam Chundan, forgetting all security arrangements. The boat proceeded to the boat jetty carrying the Prime Minister.
On his return to Delhi in December 1952, Pandit Nehru donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus, to the whole event. This trophy later came to be known as the Nehru Trophy. If you are planning a monsoon vacation to Kerala, you must attend at least one of these delightful boat races in Kerala.
Popular Boat Races in Kerala
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Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race
It is on the Pulinkunnu River and is held on the last Saturday of August. It is about 20 km from Alappuzha town on the Alappuzha-Changanacherry route.
This race is held during the Onam season (August-September) at River Pampa. It is near Edathua, about 30 km from Alappuzha town.
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Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
This boat race is the oldest and most popular snake boat race. The race is held on the Pampa River on Moolam Day (according to the Malayalam era M.E) of the Malayalam month Midhunam. This boat race in Kerala usually takes place in the month of June or July.
It is the oldest boat race in Kerala and is held during Onam (August /September). It takes place at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. This Kerala boat festival is a two-day race that takes place during the most famous festival of Kerala, Onam.
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Payippad Vallaipattu or Jalotsavam
It is a three-day water festival. It is conducted in Payippad Lake, which is 35 km from Alappuzha. There is a close relationship between this Payippad Boat Race and the Subramanya Swamy Temple in Haripad.
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Sree Narayana Jayanthi Vallam Kali
The boat race is held at Kumarakom in the month of September every year during the Onam festival in Kerala. It is among the most charming boat races in Kerala.
It is a boat race festival celebrated in the last week of December in the backwaters of Kochi in Kerala.
This boat race is an annual event that happens 28 days after Onam. This boat race is held on the Muthiraparampu-Karuvathrakadavu course of the Kallada River in Kollam district, Kerala.
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These are some of the most popular Kerala boat festivals that are absolutely amazing. You cannot miss a chance to attend these joyous and exciting boat races in Kerala when you plan your vacation to Kerala.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Races In Kerala
What is the best time to watch the boat race in Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala to enjoy a boat race is from August to October. During the monsoon season, the popular south Indian state of Kerala comes alive with colorful boat races.
Which is the most popular boat race in Kerala?
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most popular boat race in Kerala that is organized in fond memory of Jawaharlal Nehru. This race is usually held in the second week of August at the Punnamda Lake in Alleppey and is one of the most exciting things to do in Kerala.
