The
Nehru Trophy boat race is probably one of the most important events in
Kerala. In Kerala, Nehru trophy boat race takes place in Alappuzha,
every year on the second Saturday of August. There is an interesting
incident behind how Nehru trophy boat race of Kerala got its name. It is
said that when our Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the
erstwhile Travancore-Cochin, the people of Alappuzha gave him a roaring
reception. He had the chance of experiencing the tremendous excitement
of sailing in a snake boat popularly known as "Chundan". As a
token of gratitude, he donated a rolling trophy to be presented to the
winner of the Snake Boat Races in future years.The trophy is modeled on a snake boat made entirely in silver that is placed on a wooden platform on which the following words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru are inscribed above his signature:
"To the winner of the boat-race, which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin".
This was later named as 'Nehru Trophy'.
The celebrations of this fascinating boat race are something that should not be missed at any cost. The sheer atmosphere is enough to give you a high. The snake boats that are used in this festival can go upto 140 feet in length. You can imagine the number of people on a single boat who row in continuous synchronization to win the race. People throng the venue to cheer for those participating in the race. Loud music adds to the already excited atmosphere thus electrifying it even more. It is the time to enjoy and indulge in festivity in Kerala.
