Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy boat-race regarding Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held in the second Saturday of August on a yearly basis, is considered the most competitive and popular of the watercraft races. At the time for this fiercely battled boat-race, the tranquil pond front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh men and women, including tourists from overseas, arriving at watch the big event. For anyone of each village in Kuttanad, a victory only at that competition for their town vessel is something is celebrated for months to come.

The major destination of boat race could be the competition of serpent boats chundanvallams or serpent boats.Chundans (snake boats) are an impressive picture, calculating over 100 feet in total, with an elevated prow. They certainly were called snake boats by the former colonial rulers, which situated title on a native motorboat found in Norway, although Kerala's Chundans bear small similarity for their European namesakes.

The annals associated with Nehru Trophy Boat Race is from the see of late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India to Alappuzha. He chanced a-trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha by boat, through water logged Kuttanad. A pageantry of boats accompanied him in the trip.The very first competition had been an impromptu as soon as performed in 1952 in honour of Panditji which went to Alappuzha.for the reason that competition of serpent boats, Nadubhagam Chundan endured very first. Panditji, who had been thrilled and excited when you look at the performance of the oarsmen, jumped in to the Nadubhagam Chundan, forgetting all protection arrangements.The vessel proceeded into the vessel jetty holding the Prime Minister.On their come back to Delhi in December 1952, Nehru donated a Silver Trophy, that is a replica of a snake vessel positioned on a wooden abacus.The trophy holds here inscription above their trademark.

"To the winners regarding the boat-race that is a unique function of neighborhood life in Travancore Cochin."

This trophy later on came to be called Nehru Trophy, plus in fond memory of good Panditiji, the individuals of Alappuzha celebrate the Nehru Trophy Boat Race each year.

A lovely golden 'Mandapom' underneath the Manro lamp at Aryad. It is exquistely decorated. Artistically set up seating arrangements and a temporary platform and pavilion tend to be establish.

The Vembanad Lake while watching Mandapom. Eight tracks, each of 30 yards width marked into the lake. Bamboo poles laid when you look at the one mile cross country with this. Unique boats, motor launches and huge county crafts in line. The sons of Kuttanad are in ecstasy.

Minutes cave in to hours. Individual waiting by everybody else. 01:40 Pm

"Here comes., right here comes.."

Every person glanced and every hand directed to a length." Dorothy", the unique boat draws near majestically causing flutters inside lake. The environment gets full of noisy cheers. The vessel moves on as well as on aiming the 'Mandapom'. The esteemed Chief Guest, clad in Churidar Pyjama-Kurtha, Gandhi limit and putting on pathan Shoes down close to the Mandapom.

Panditji Ki Jai Deafening cheers from thousands. The architect of modern-day India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister increased his hands to receive salutations. The firearms boomed 63 times to mark Nehru's age. The office-bearers garlanded the Prime Minister, who got sitting inside Mandapom along with his characteristic, charismatic smile. Panditji liked specially the garland manufactured from Paddy grains. Indira Priyadarsini who was simply together parent was handed a casket made of paddy grains. Her children were given bouquets by means of paddy bunches.

It is time for competition. A fantastic boom is heard. Eight snake boats (Chundan Valloms) darted ahead in lighting rate, marking the start of the race. Pandit Nehru watches the spectacular sight through the binoculars. Like a young child just who cannot control its ecstasy, he jumped-up and down. He was considerably delighted. As battle boats neared the pavilion, the esteemed guest got on his seat. "truth be told there .. works ..", said he, holding his grand-children Rajeev and Sanjay. Because the waves of pleasure dashed inside small thoughts, Nehru asked their girl "Indu, can u see really"? She nodded.

The boats had been approaching the finishing point. The picture of equal forces vying for supremacy was a sight is viewed. Your head boggling affairs made Nehru forget himself. He started moving to your rhythm for the paddlers. The finance companies associated with pond had been immersed in loud clapping. The rhyme and rhythm of Vanchipattu (Boat songs) filled the complete atmosphere.