The annual Nehru trophy snake boat race, vallamkali, takes place in punnamada lake, Alleppey on the second saturday of August every year. This boat race takes place in connection with the harvesting season of the rice fields in the local regions, especially kuttanad.
Nehru trophy comes as a legacy to the first prime minister of India who on his first visit to the state went to see the boat race and was very attracted to it. On reaching back at the New Delhi he send a silver cup and offered the authorities to conduct the event annually.
From this year on, Nehru trophy boat race is conducted as a sports event, there by increasing the government grand to this mesmerisng annual event which is attended by thousands of local and foreign visitors.
Final was between 4 boats,
Lane 1: Cheruthana Snake Boat rowed by Angel Boat club
Lane 2: Paayipaad Snake Boat rowed by Kumarakom thiruvarpu Boat Club
Lane 3: KaariChal Boat rowed by Jesus Boat Club, captained by JiJi Jacob. Kaarichal has a rich history in the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Kaarichal has already won 13 times, most by any boat, including 3 hat-tricks. Kaarichal was the runners-up last time.
Lane 3: Pattara boat, the longest boat, rowed by Kumarakom Town Boat Club. Kumarakom Town Boat Club has won last 4 Nehru Trophy Boat Races.
