Boat races are
held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in
August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other
smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest
team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded
by colourful water parades.
The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths
attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the
rustic people and their beliefs
Nehru Trophy Boat Race :
The Nehru trophy regatta, instituted by former Prime
Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, at Alappuzha on August
14 every year has become a regular Independence Day
feature. A wide variety of boats take part in the
competition from bean-shaped boats to the kitetailed and
curly-headed ones. These snake boats as they are called,
measure between 30 and 60 metres with tall, cone-shaped,
tapering helms extend several metres above the water and
accommodates around 120 oarsmen in two rows of 60 each.
The majesty with which these boats plough through the
waters to the rhythm of drums and cymbals and legendary
songs, typical of Kerala, has to be seen to be believed.
Scarlet silk umbrellas decorate the boats as they go in a
procession on the backwaters, reminding those seeing them
of the sea-faring and martial traditions of ancient
Kerala. The boat race is part of the Kerala Water
Carnival.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race :
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling
backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of
December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair,
which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe.
The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in
gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the
multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted trophy of the
race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late
Prime Minister of India.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race :
The festive season of boat races commences with the event
of Champakulam Moolam Boat Race held every year in the
first week of July. It is the oldest and one of the most
popular snake boat races in Kerala.
Aranmula Boat Race :
The Aranmula Boat Race is a two-day festive event rather
than a sports competition. It is held in strict adherence
to traditions during the festival of Onam.
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