The world famous “Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race” will be held at Punnamada Lake, Alleppey on August 08th 2009.
History of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The history of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is associated with the visit of late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India to Alappuzha visit.He chanced a trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha by boat, through water logged Kuttanad. A pageantry of boats accompanied him on the trip. The first race was an impromptu once conducted in 1952 in honor 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 asnake boat placed on a wooden abacus. The trophy bears the following inscription above his signature.
History of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The history of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is associated with the visit of late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India to Alappuzha visit.He chanced a trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha by boat, through water logged Kuttanad. A pageantry of boats accompanied him on the trip. The first race was an impromptu once conducted in 1952 in honor 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 asnake boat placed on a wooden abacus. The trophy bears the following inscription above his signature.
“To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin.”
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.
For more information visit http://www.atdcalleppey.com/.
