Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Aroma Boat Club wins 72nd edition on debut

Aroma Boat Club created history by winning the 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race in its debut. The club's snake boat, 'Aroma Chundan', clocked a winning time of 4:23.328 minutes to clinch the title at Punnamada Lake in a closely contested final.

Aroma Boat Club scripted history by winning the 72nd edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in its debut appearance at Punnamada Lake in Keralam's Alappuzha on Saturday.

Boat races are among the grandest traditions still alive and thriving in Keralam and snake boats or 'chundanvallam' are up to 100 feet long and bring the serene backwaters to life.

A Closely Contested Final

The new club's flagship snake boat, 'Aroma Chundan' navigated the 1,380-meter track with exceptional speed and precision, clocking a winning time of 4:23.328 minutes in the Chundan Vallom final. 'Nadubhagom Chundan' of Punnamada boat club came in second at 4.23.448 mins while 'Veeyapuram Chundan' of UBC Kainakiry secured the third position by clocking 4.23.778 mins in the closely contested final. Melppadam Chundan of Pallathuruthy Boat Club came fourth with a time of 4:24.015.

The event witnessed intense competition, with teams qualifying for the premier snake boat final through heats based on their timings. Competitions were also held across categories including Churulan, Iruttukuthi, Veppu and the women's Thekkanodi events. A total of 71 competing boats, featured 22 magnificent Chundanvallams (snake boats) with over 100 rowers each participated.

The Spectacle of Snake Boat Racing

The name "snake boat" was given by colonial rulers, who likened them to a native boat in Norway, despite the minimal resemblance. The chundanvallams' sleek, elongated bodies and rhythmic movements make them appear like serpents gliding through the water according to a write-up about the races by Kerala Tourism.

It goes on to describe the racecourse, spanning approximately 1,370 meters as being is divided into multiple tracks, each marked with bamboo poles. The spectacle begins with a colorful procession of snake boats, followed by smaller race boats such as churulan, veppu, and oadi.

The oarsmen row in unison to the rhythm of vanchipattu, traditional boat songs, creating a mesmerizing display of strength and coordination. The lake is adorned with beaded umbrellas, gilded sterns, and floats showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage, including performances of kathakali, theyyam, panchavadyam, and padayani.

A Celebration of Keralam's Culture

Speaking to ANI, Minister M Liju described the Nehru Trophy Boat Race as one of the country's biggest boat races and said it represents the legacy of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. "Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the greatest boat races in the nation. It represents the legacy of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and is a major festival of Alappuzha. It showcases the culture of Kuttanad, especially the traditional snake boats," Liju said.

He said the Keralam government had provided Rs 25 lakh for the event, adding that the allocation could be increased in the future. "The government has provided Rs 25 lakh for the event, but I believe the budget should be higher, and next time we will consider providing more funds," he added.

Minister for Tourism and Culture P C Vishnunadh said the boat race was not only a sporting event but also an important part of Keralam's culture, heritage and history. "It's a sports event, but it is also related to our culture, heritage and history. It is a major sporting event with the maximum number of participants. Each boat carries 100 participants, with around 2,100 participants taking part in the event," Vishnunadh said.

He said the Keralam government and the Tourism Department were providing support to the event and had increased the cash prize this year. "The Government of Keralam and the Department of Tourism are trying to provide maximum assistance to the Nehru Trophy. This time, we increased the cash prize, and next time, we will include more facilities and provide greater government support," he added.

Dignitaries Grace the Event

The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race was inaugurated by Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Karnataka C M DK Shivakumar otoday at 2 pm. One of Keralam's most celebrated cultural and sporting traditions, the race, draws its roots back to 1952.

"Watching the teams race across the waters, with the crowds cheering them on, was a memorable experience that reflected the sporting spirit and the enduring bond between the people and the backwaters. The Nehru Trophy carries a special legacy, dating back to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to Alappuzha in 1952 and his affection for this unique tradition. My warm greetings to the people of Keralam and best wishes to all the teams who made this celebration so vibrant," Karnataka Chief Minister said on X. It was a wonderful experience to witness the 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada in Alappuzha, along with Chief Minister of Keralam Shri @vdsatheesan, AICC General Secretary and MP Shri @kcvenugopalmp, Home Minister of Keralam Shri @chennithala and other dignitaries," his X post read.

Lok Sabha MP from Alappuzha, KC Venugopal and other local leaders among others present on the occasion.

The Legacy of the Nehru Trophy

According to the official website of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the event is held every year on the serene waters of Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha and is the most celebrated water regatta in Keralam. The event derives its name from India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was so enthralled by the spectacular race during his visit in 1952 that he donated a silver trophy to commemorate it. Since then, the event has grown into a symbol of Keralam's heritage, unity, and sporting spirit.

On race day, the tranquil backwaters are transformed into a grand stage of rhythm and energy. Majestic chundan vallams (snake boats), stretching over 100 feet and manned by more than a hundred oarsmen, surge through the waters in perfect synchronization to the chants and drumbeats of tradition. The atmosphere is electric -- over two lakh spectators, including tourists from across the globe, gather along the lakefront to witness this breathtaking spectacle.

The Nehru Trophy is more than a boat race -- it is a cultural festival. For the people of Kuttanad, every victory is a matter of pride and honor, celebrated in their villages for months. For visitors, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a vivid blend of sport, tradition, and community spirit, set against the enchanting backdrop of Keralam's famed backwaters.

Today, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race stands as a global attraction, showcasing the soul of Keralam to the world. It is not merely a competition but a living tradition that binds communities, inspires unity, and celebrates the timeless charm of God's Own Country. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)