56th edition of Nehru Trophy boat race 2008

Karichal Chundan' snake boat of Kollam Jesus Boat Club lifted the coveted Nehru Trophy in the boat race held at Punnamada lake here on Saturday. Thousands of people including a large number of foreign tourists witnessed the 56th edition of Nehru Trophy boat race here. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamada lake in Alappuzha is one of the most popular boat races in Kerala.

The shores of the Punnamada lake teem with throngs of humanity during the race. It is estimated that almost 2 lakh people from India and abroad reach the place to witness this unique event.

It is held on the second Saturday of the month of August every year. The history of the race is connected with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Alappuzha in 1952. It was in honour of Nehru that the first race was conducted. Back in Delhi, Nehru donated a silver trophy for the winners of this highly competitive race.

The major attraction of the regatta is the pageantry of Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats). It is quite awesome to see these 100 feet long boats slicing through the water. Other types of boats that participate in various events in the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttu Kuthi Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam and Kochu Vallam.

Angel Boat club's 'Cheruthana chundan' came second followed by 'Payippad chundan' of Kumarakom boat club. Nearly 60 boats of different varieties including 16 snake boats participated in the race.

In the women's section, the boat rowed by six foreign tourist women led by British national Juile Ammer won the first prize.The boat was owned by Vembanad Vanitha Boat Club.