List of 7 Never-To Miss Snake Boat Races of Kerala

 Kerala's backwaters may be enjoyed the most in two scenarios. The first is when you are either travelling on them or watching the exciting traditional snake boat racing. But here we are getting to know more about the most exciting snake boat races in Kerala. Such snake boat competitions are unheard of anyplace else in the globe. People go to these events in big numbers to witness these snake-shaped beauties compete in time to traditional boat tunes chanting loudly. These snake boats, also known as 'chundanvallam,' may be up to 100 feet long and bring the tranquil backwaters to life. We are here to discuss the long-established and popular boat races that have been taking place for many years in various locations.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Travellers visiting Kerala will be familiar with Vembanad Lake, as they would have sailed around it in either a houseboat or a speed boat. So this most popular boat race, kick-started in 1952, is conducted on this specific lake, with the only difference being that in this area of the state in Allepey, they are known as Punnamada Lake. As a result, it is held every year on the second Saturday of August in honour of his visit to Kerala in the aforementioned year. Thousands of people, both Kuttanad residents and visitors, would witness the spectacular boat race on this exact date every year. In contrast to all other boat races explained here, this one has no spiritual significance and were given the title by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru himself.

The Gothuruth Boat Race

The Gothuruth Boat Race, which was revived later as part of the promotion of Muziris Heritage Zones, needs to explain its imprints, particularly in the histories related to its nearby notable places. They are held in September on the small island of Gothururth in the Ernakulam district, where the Periyar River joins the Vembanad Lake. For the last 80 years, the Gothuruth boat race has been a source of joy for the people who reside there. Surprisingly, the event serves as a testament to spiritual concord owing to the existence of both a Holy Cross Church in Kadalvathurthu and the Sree Narayanamangalam temple of Moothakunnam, both of which are located quite close to the race road. You might even listen to other versions of folk tunes that were written hundreds of years ago expressly for rowing with full enthusiasm.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race

The competitive spirit of the competitors is what distinguishes the race. Approximately 150 oarsmen, each signifying a different village, have pledged to follow stringent regulations during the game. Feeding them during practice sessions and on the festival day is the duty of the villagers or well-to-do individuals, who frequently volunteer to cover the entire cost. The arrangements for the Indira Gandhi Boat Race begin many weeks ahead of time. The trophy for this event was established in remembrance of Indira Gandhi, India's late Prime Minister. Every year, the Indira Gandhi Boat Race is conducted as a colourful water sport-cum-festival. It is held in the final week of December on the backwaters of Kerala's Cochin city.

Kumarakom Boat Race

This beautiful celebration of backwaters is also known as Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race. In stark to other boat races aforementioned, the Kumarakom boat Race is neither conducted for a spiritual cause nor as a competition, but as a remembrance of the great social reformer of Kerala, Sree Narayana Guru. It is mostly conducted in the months of either August or September, on Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi Day. It is organised to commemorate the visit of the spiritual leader to this beautiful village of the Kottayam district. In the year 1903, he arrived in the village by boat from Alappuzha, escorted by a parade of boats. On his stay, the guru erected a Subrahmanya shrine in Kumarakom (Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple). On this day, from Kumaramangala Temple to Kottathodu, a procession of country boats with numerous portraits of Guru will be carried.

Aranmula Boat Race

Held during Kerala's harvest festival, Onam, They are also known as 'Uthrittathi Vallam Kali'. You can watch boats racing on the Pampa River, which flows in front of the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple. As the hamlet of Aranmula in the district of Pathanamthitta has a separate history to tell, they are considered a ceremony devoted to the deities Krishna and Arjuna. As part of the custom, the rowers and helmsmen will be served an 'Aranmula Vallasadhya,' which would include a whopping 100 Kerala traditional dishes.

President's Trophy Boat Race

With a larger fan base not just in the region of Kollam, but also throughout the state, This President's Trophy boat race might be another renowned boat race in Kerala. During November each year, snake boats are rowed through the normally peaceful waters of Ashtamudi Lake. Therefore, if you are on a visit to this region during your trip to Kerala, around these times of the year, don't skip out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness that spectacular sight. You will be able to sense the frenzied spirit of the battle in the waters once you watch it in reality.

Kallada Jalotsavam

The Kallada River, which flows from the southern section of Kerala, serves as the venue for this ferocious boat race. The boats will be rowing alongside the rising vacation destination of Mandrou thuruthu, in the Kollam district, where you may go on a trip with attractive offers. This boat race, like all others in the state, is related to the harvest festival of Onam; to be more specific, it will take place on the 28th day after Onam. Furthermore, the team who wins the race will not only be awarded with merely a modest sum of money, but with a total of one lakh rupees. For the past 40 years, this has been going on indefinitely. Not only do water sport enthusiasts flock to enjoy them by gathering curiously on each bank of the river, but so do all those who are passionate about Kerala's culture and history.