The spectacle of boat race of Kerala has a tradition so majestic and rich in history and some mythology attached to it. The snakeboat , the sleek and long speedstar of Kerala waters is unique in appeal and thrilling to watch. The centuries old tradition of snakeboat race has been nurtured in the coastal state with pomp and celebration.

It all started when a local King appointed a highly-skilled and famous carpenter of his time to build a boat that could help him win wars against his rival, some 400 years ago. The carpenter did his job and built a boat that could take 100 men together, move very fast and could be kept in hiding behind the bushes near the shores. The King won the next war and the snake style canoe became a hero. That’s history.

Today, there are different styles of country styled fast moving boats built for different purposes. Irrutukuthy, Vaipu and Churulan are a smaller boats mostly used to transport people or vegetables and grains across banks. ‘Chundan’ is the biggest of all and most famous for its snake-tail kind stern, carrying a 110 strong team. . To keep the zeal and motivation high , there are songs sung by men in the boat. At least 25 in each boat are only there to sing songs that match the tempo of the oarsmen. Vanchipattu or songs of the boatmen are sung with traditional percussion instruments.

The world famous boat races as we see today has its origins in Kerala’s beautiful district of Alappuzha and it was inaugurated in 1952 by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The winner was awarded a trophy in the name of Jawaharlal Nehru . And, the Nehru Trophy boat race, held in mid-July is the grandest spectacle of boat race one could witness . It is one of the most-watched events in the southern part of India!

In other parts of Kerala, like Aranmula, oarsmen do not race their boats, but put on a good show for the onlookers. These boats are known as Palliyodam, or Lord Krishna’s yacht. One of the oldest traditions of Kerala, Aranmula Boat Race or Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali is a grand event, held between August and September. These boat races are generally held during the harvest season. The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is among the oldest races held on the Pampa river, near Alappuzha. Tourists can also attend Jalotsavom or Payippad Boat Race, held on the Payippad river, also in Alappuzha. But surely the must-attend snakeboat race is the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in the tranquil waters of Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha. This race attracts huge crowds , all gather to see the grand and spectacular competition taking place along the 1.5-km-long lake.

During Onam Aranmula Snake Boat Race coincides the annual celebration of the historic Sri Parthasarathy Temple. It is a ritual, where over 25 snake boats, with 100 rowers, 15 helmsmen and 25 singers perform a musical ensemble along the famous Pampa river . Here, vibrant umbrellas, colourful tassels and flags are used to decorate the boats. No wonder , the Snakeboat races are the most thrilling attractions of God’s Own Country, Kerala.