As a sub-island surrounded by the sea from the three sides India is connected to the rest of the world by one side of its land through Pakistan. Thus it has a natural passion for water and its numerous means of use and utilization in the life of man and for its utilization for various advantages of man.
Indian farmers are always in effort to make the effective use of vast water reserve in the three grand seas surrounding 3 sides of the country and want to make beat of it. Major water resources-seas in India are used for many purposes like fishing, merry making and many water related activities and games. Conducting this type of activities is one of the states in India is Kerala lying in the south-west coast of India the state is a major user of sea water and making it a staple means for gaining various types of ends.
Besides fishing Kerala arranges a play in the lakes and coasts i9n the Aklapuzha district of the state generally referred to as Snake boat race or literally spoken as Nehru Trophy Boat race. The race is commenced on second Saturday of August of every year attracting many tourists both from the domestic areas and abroad.
The race dates back its origin to the Journey of the first Prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru to the state in 1952 when the anxious denizens of the state desired to welcome and give a horrible thrill to the chief of the country by this race by arranging various steps to prepare the festival. Thus the race got a status of festival for the inhabitants of Kerala and from that day on wards they have commemorating the gala day with much pompous and stir as well as sheer thrill and joy. All the citizen of the state enjoy the game with a jubilant mood being excited and infatuated with the performances of the participants in the race.
Various ritualistic innuendoes have also been associated with the game referring to the states culture and tradition. Many steps are followed during the celebration of the unique game. About eighty boats participate in the race held in the lake of the Alapuzha district of the state and run on the surface of the water in the particular tracks drawn for them like snakes performing various skills and techniques thus game is referred as snake boat race.
The sojourn of the maiden prime minister of India to the state brought the name to the trophy given to the winner in the race is Nehru Trophy Boat race. In the modern days this Boat race has been a part and parcel of the state of Kerala for its life long works and many activities in the sea and water related activities. The much-enjoyed game creates a natural inclination in a visitor passion towards water and the sports centered in water.
Website URL: http://nehrutrophy.nic.in/
View Nehru Trophy Boat Race News
View Nehru Trophy Boat Race News
