Select from premium Nehru Trophy Boat Race of the highest quality. Even in the days of untouchables, this was a feature of the regattas with caste Hindus, Scheduled Castes, Christians and Muslims sitting in the same row for the feast symbolising the communal amity in Kuttanad. It is exquistely decorated. +91-477-2251720(O), +91-477-2243721(R), Email: nehrutrophy(at)kerala(dot)nic(dot)in. The sight of equal forces vying for supremacy was a sight to be watched. "Ayyo-poyye… ayyo-poyye" – the cadence grows to a crescendo as the oars dip and flash 100 to 120 times a minute and the steersmen hurl their gigantic oars in a high arc. The tranquil lake is transformed into a battlefield on the day of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race with the participants fiercely fighting for the first position. Artistically laid up seating arrangements and a temporary platform and pavilion are set up. The boat moves on and on aiming the 'Mandapom'. A pageantry of boats accompanied him on the trip.The first race was an impromptu once conducted in 1952 in honour of Panditji who visited Alappuzha.In that race of snake boats, Nadubhagam Chundan stood first. Panditji, who was thrilled and excited in the performance of the oarsmen, jumped into the Nadubhagam Chundan, forgetting all security arrangements.The boat proceeded to the boat jetty carrying the Prime Minister.On his return to Delhi in December 1952, Nehru donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus.The trophy bears the following inscription above his signature. She nodded. Vallam Kali is a traditional boat race in Kerala, India. The boat race is famous on an international level and people float to Alappuzha during this period. When they are advancing through various tracks, it appears like the fast moving snakes. Since 1955, the Boat Race is conducted at Punnamada Kayal. Patient waiting by everyone. This lengthy boat resembles a huge cobra with its hood raised. Eight tracks, each of 30 meters width marked in the lake. Around 150 best oarsmen representing the different villages are selected. 8 snake boats participated in the race, including Nadubhagom, Chambakkulam (Amichakari), ParthaSarathy, Kavalam, Valiya Diwanji, Neppolean, Nethaji, GearGoss (I.C.Vallam). While nearing the VIP pavilion, the oarsmen displayed their talents besides there immense joy. Conducted on the Punnamda Lake near Alappuzha in Kerala, this race has been named after the erstwhile first Prime Minister of India post independence, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Each team spends about 6 lakh rupees for the Nehru Trophy. "There .. Comes .." , said he, holding his grand-children Rajeev and Sanjay. The atmosphere gets filled with loud cheers. It is a cultural procession of boats held in Punnamada Lake, known as The Nehru Trophy … The guns boomed 63 times to mark Nehru's age. Sometimes the length of these boats is almost 100 ft. Bamboo poles laid in the one mile long distance for this. "You may come with your mother in the special boat, he said. The Nehru trophy boat race is an event which is enjoyed by all the people and special pavilions are set up for the audience to watch this race. The esteemed Chief Guest, clad in Churidar Pyjama-Kurtha, Gandhi cap and wearing pathan Shoes down near the Mandapom. The winner was awarded a trophy in the name of Jawaharlal Nehru. His grandfather was a lead rower for the Alappuzha Town boat club before they ended up buying a couple of boats. Though it is a festival,what stands apart is the sportive spirit among the participants of the race. Each snake boat can accommodate around 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheer leaders. Named after Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held each year on the second Saturday of August, on the calm waters of Lake Punnamda.In 2021, owing to the devastating floods of Kerala, the race is scheduled on the 14th August. Sardine oil is smeared on the boats for smooth passage through water. Like a child who cannot control its ecstasy, he jumped up and down. At 100 ft in length and a raised prow it are indeed an impressive sight. The name, snake boat, was given by the British colonial rulers who had named the chundan vallam after the snake boats in Norway. The sight of the oars dipping and flashing 100 to 120 times a minute and the steersmen hurling their gigantic oars in a high arc is indeed mesmerising. Vallam kali includes races of many kinds of paddled longboats and 'snake boats'. Pandit Nehru watches the spectacular sight through the binoculars. Thrilled by the exciting snake boat race, Pt. The Boat Race is named after former prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and is conducted on the second Saturday of August every year. Panditji, who was thrilled and excited in the performance of th… The race is held on the second Saturday of August every year, and the participants include the residents from every village in Kuttanad. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race has seen the boundaries created due to economic status, social status, caste, creed and religion getting erased. These oarsmen take an oath of life of abstinence and celibacy until the races are over. The people of Alleppey escorted him with an amazing view of the first snake boat race. Alappuzha was a part of the erstwhile state of Travancore. You don't have to be afraid", said Panditji. The mind boggling affairs made Nehru forget himself. Boats of different sizes and types compete in the various boat races. The 8 Snake boats participated in the procession were, Nadubhagom, Chambakkulam (Amichakari), ParthaSarathy, Kavalam, Valiya Diwanji, Neppolean, Nethaji, GearGoss (I.C.Vallam). © Copyright 2020 Maps of India All Rights Reserved, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Significance of Raksha Bandhan in Different Parts of India. Finally we see them; hundreds of oars cutting through the waters at flashing speed, with pace-keepers increasing their thumping, each boat racing to edge the other, fighting the close battle to finish first. The Nehru Trophy boat race began in the year of 1952 when the former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala. Vallam Kali or Vallamkaliy literally means boat play/game, but can be translated to boat race in English.The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams (snake boats). For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come. The race courser having a length of about 1370 meters is divided into various tracks for the conduct of the competition. Supposedly when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru came to see the event, he got so involved in the competition that he jumped in one of the boats which later won the race. The history of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race goes all the way back to a 1952 visit to Alappuzha by the late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. He chanced a trip from Kottayam to Alappuzhaby boat, through water logged Kuttanad. The rhyme and rhythm of Vanchipattu (Boat songs) filled the entire atmosphere. The race of chundan vallam is the major event. Stanley International Dragon Boat Race. Alapuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race 003.jpg 3,648 × 2,736; 1.88 MB. Which Places in India Still Largely Speak Sanskrit? "To the winner of the boat-race, which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin" - This was later christened, Nehru Trophy. The Vembanad Lake in front of the Mandapom. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race can rightly be called "Kuttanad's Olympics on water", the national festival of the people of Kuttanad. Alleppey is very famous for this boat race. Which States Share Boundaries with Pakistan? The most popular event during these races is the competition of Chundan Vallams … He chanced a trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha by boat, through water logged Kuttanad. The snake boat is smeared with sardine oil for smooth passage through water, the best oarsmen are selected and, under the supervision of the senior most oarsmen, the practice sessions begin. This website is published and managed by: - Alappuzha District Administration, Govt. 1954, Boat race was conducted as Prime Minister's Trophy at Meenappally Vattakkayal, Kainakary. Since then, every year the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is organised in Alappuzha. However, it failed to maintain the momentum in … The waves of Punnamada rolled on her beams. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is conducted on the famous Punnamda Lake, Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India. Minutes give way to hours. The then District Collector Kerala Varma announced the results of the race over the microphone. The movements of competing boats are so thrilling that the spectators get a tune with the excited mood of the surrounding uproars.The festival begins with a procession of the snake boats. The popular Vallam Kali (boat game) is held annually on the second Saturday of the month of August. For us the greens have timed this heat the best. Jawaharlal Nehru then proceeded to Delhi from where he sent a silver trophy to the winners of the boat race. Vallam Kali is what the locals call it, which translates to Boat Game. The Nehru Trophy boat race is the most famous boat race held in Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. We know the race has started. This trophy later came to be known as Nehru Trophy, and in fond memory of great Panditiji, the people of Alappuzha celebrate the Nehru Trophy Boat Race every year. The snake boats and the smaller varieties of Kerala race boats like the 'Churulan', 'Veppu' and oadi' move in a formation down the 1.4 KM stretch of the lake as the sturdy villagers, their biceps rippling in the sun, row with an elaborate flourish of the oars to the singing of couplets from "Kuchelavritham Vanchipattu" the classic Malayalam poem written by Ramapurathu Warrier to regale King Marthanda Varma of Travancore in early 19th century during a boat journey from Vaikom to Thiruvananthapuram. For any query about this website: - The District Collector, Alappuzha, Kerala, India, Tel. In spite of Nehru's protestations, the security officer jumped into the Snake boat. The snake boat, which has won several races including eight Nehru Trophy boat races from 1989-2009, arrived at the Techopark campus in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was impressed both with the performance of the boats as well as the skill of the oarsmen. According to K S George, president of Nadubhagom Boat Club, the history of the boat race says it … Preparation for this race begins months in advance. In his excitement, Panditji insisted on riding the rest of the way across the lake in the winning snake boat, Nadubhagam Chundan, without any security arrangements. The race was inaugurated by the Union Health Minister Guhlam Nabi Azad. The office-bearers garlanded the Prime Minister, who got seated in the Mandapom with his characteristic, charismatic smile. The boat race was conducted at the west corner of Vembanadu lake from west of Mantro Light at North towards south. Silk umbrellas will be kept in each boat and these boats … "No, Mr.Varghese let me be in the snake boat for five minutes. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race sees the Punnamda Lake front getting transferred into a sea of humanity as nearly 2 lakh people, including tourists from India and abroad, head out to Alappuzha to witness the much awaited race. Panditji liked specially the garland made of Paddy grains. The sons of Kuttanad are in ecstasy. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad, coming to watch the event. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is reputed to be the most colorful water sport in Kerala and has gained the status of the prestigious cultural event of Kerala that attracts onlookers and tourists from all over the world who come here to witness the event. After the race, all the Snake boats were going towards the Alappuzha boat jetty. The oarsmen are trained under the supervision of the older and experienced oarsmen. The snake boats line up at the starting point for the great race. While the race is associated with the temple, the church also is an active participant. The numerous beaded umbrellas held aloft in each boat, the gilded sterns of the ebony black snake boats and the changing patterns that the rowers weave with their oars transform the lake into a kaleidoscope. Find the perfect Nehru Trophy Boat Race stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. This Boat race has its origin in the Kerala district Alappuzha and was inaugurated in 1952 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Around 150 oarsmen, who would represent the village, take the vow to observe strict abstinence and celibacy till the oars to each of them. The popular couplet among the oarsmen is called the ‘. © 2021 Copyrights : District Administration & Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society, This page was last modified on:21/06/2019 06:06:22 PM. The Captain of all the boats received some prize or other from Jawaharlal Nehru. The trophy costing Rs.1000/- , then raised the prestige of 'Nadubhagom Chundan'. Conducted on the Punnamda Lake near Alappuzha in Kerala, this race has been named after the erstwhile first Prime Minister of India post independence, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Each ward in the village and at time rich individuals takes their turn in feeding the athletes on the days of the practice at mass feasts on the river banks. The sight of the long row of snake boats with the routers inside it enchanted Nehru. A beautiful golden 'Mandapom' under the Manro lamp at Aryad. Based on its geographical location, the word ‘Alappuzha’ means the land between the sea and a network of rivers flowing into it. On the second Saturday of every year there is a major event which takes place in these calm waters and it is called the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. A pleasure trip was made by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru standing inside the Nadubhagom Chundan, in accompaniment of other snake boats. Eight snake boats (Chundan Valloms) darted forward in lighting speed, marking the beginning of the race. Alapuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race 002.jpg 3,648 × 2,736; 1.89 MB. This marked the beginning of the greatest water sport in the world. 1.4 KM, 16 boats, race their hearts out to get the best timing in the heats of 4 boats each. Post independence, when the Indian Society was struggling with caste discrimination, this race saw Hindus, Scheduled Castes, Christians and Muslims sitting in the same row for the feast that is organised on the river banks during the training session. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most colorful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha on the second Saturday of August every year and this prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people from all over the world. 01:40 Pm. This year the 67th edition of Nehru Trophy Boat Race getting ready to be kicked off on 31st August 2019. It is time for the race. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alappuzha. Vallam Kali means boat play, but can be translated to boat race in English. of Kerala & Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society, Alappuzha District, Kerala State, India. Alapuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race.jpg 3,648 × 2,736; 1.75 MB. During the festival, a boat similar to a canoe which is 100-120 feet long exhibits movements like serpentine in the water. As the starter's flag goes up, the scence freezes into a tableau the rowers tense with their paddles poised, the pace keepers alert and the steersmen straining against their long oars. "To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin.". This is not the first time that the Moonuthaickal family has associated itself with the Nehru Trophy Boat race. OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE The Nehru Trophy Boat Race named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is conducted on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. The lakefront with the massive crowd of spectators resonates with the sound of cheering. Boat Races of Kerala (Punnamada)DSW.JPG 2,000 × 1,334; 1.86 MB. Her children were presented with bouquets in the shape of paddy bunches. The crowd erupts into a roar, birds flutter up from their perch on the trees and the snake boats hiss their way down the lake in a haze of spray, fighting a pitched battle in the dappled waters. Kerala beckons you to … Jawaharlal Nehru on his return to Delhi gifted a silver to the winners of the annual boat race. During the boat trip, Panditji was accompanied by a pageantry of other boats, when enroute an impromptu boat race was organised for the then Prime Minister of India. Published on: August 9, 2016 | Updated on: March 30, 2017, Select from the Drop Down to view archives. Of these, … 'Nadubhagom Chundan' in unbelievable speed crossed the finishing point and hoisted the winner, flag on the boat. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The prestigious snake boat Champakulam Chundan has found a new home in Technopark. The other smaller varieties of Kerala race boats that participate in the race include the Churulan, Veppu and Oadi. An improvised race with snake boats was held to honour his visit and he was reportedly so impressed with the boats that he jumped into one, ignoring all security protocols. The visual is indeed beautiful with the boats looking like snakes slithering down the lake. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad, coming to watch the event. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alappuzha. Hence Vallam Kali is also known as the snake boat race … In 1952, The Boat race was conducted by the District Collector, Kollam, since Alappuzha district was not there then. It is mainly conducted during the season of the harvest festival Onam in spring. In fact, the Church has a traditional role in the celebrations at Champakkulam though the water festival there is associated with a temple legend. Everyone glanced and every finger pointed to a distance." Location: Stanley Bay, Hong Kong, China. His grand children who wanted to follow suit, were dissuaded. The colourful Boat Race was first for the "Prime Minister's Trophy". Indira Priyadarsini who was with her father was given a casket made of paddy grains. The first boat race, conducted in honour to welcome the then Prime Minister of India - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru - to Alleppey, took place in 1952. He began dancing to the rhythm of the paddlers. Chief Judge was Sh.Kurien John, Thazhathangady. The banks of the lake were immersed in loud clapping. Fun Fact: The Nehru Trophy Boat Race got its name when Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India visited Kerala in 1962 and had his first experience sailing in a snake-boat. Emotional deluge filled the atmosphere as India's Prime Minister, oblivious of everything else, enjoyed the trip. Different types of boats such as the bean shaped boats, curly headed etc participate in this competition. Nehru Boat Race 2019- Introduction It’s a serious competition between ChundanVallam, which is locally known as snake boats. LIVE STREAMING OF NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE 2016 WILL BE AVAILABLE ON –, The Race that has always Promoted Community Amity. India needs more of such gaming events which speak of Universal Brotherhood, and bring people of every faith together. The major attraction of the boat race is the competition of snake boats chundanvallams or snake boats.Chundans (snake boats) are an impressive sight, measuring over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. It is said that in 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, visited the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin. Starter was Sh.E.J. In 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, while visiting Kerala, took a boat trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha. The flag falls in a blur and suddenly the thumping begins. The then home Minister of Thiru-Kochi, T.M.Varghese tried to dissuade him saying, "It will be convenient to go in a mechanized special boat". He was greatly thrilled. As the waves of joy dashed in the little minds, Nehru asked his daughter "Indu, can u see well"? Floats giving glimpses of Kerala's rich cultural heritage follow the race boats, with artists performing "kathakali" "theyyam" "panchavadyam" and "padayani". Boat resembles a huge cobra with its hood raised after the race is famous on international! Of Universal Brotherhood, and uses paddled war canoes boats, curly headed etc participate in this competition in! 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