In the year 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin. On his way to Alappuzha district from Kottayam he was given a roaring reception by the people of Alappuzha, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake boat popularly known as Chundan. He donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the Snake Boat Races to be held every year.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of those events, which the people of Kerala look forward to with excitement. Thousands of Keralites - men, women and children - throng the watersides of Alappuzha to witness the spectacle. Pavilions are set up for spectators on the banks and in the middle of the Punnamada Lake - the venue of the race. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race The oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala, and is closely connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the Temple. Moolam snake boat race Boat races are the cultural festivals of the villages in “ Alappuzha” the rice bowl of Kerala. All the village festivals are being conducted on the occasion of “Onam”, the regional festival of  Kerala. Among them “ The Moolam Boat Race” occurs first. During this period, the people are in the peak of enjoyment and enthusiasm. Snake boats are of 100 to 120 Feet length carrying 100 to 125 oarsmen. These boats were status symbol of the kingdom period and had been used for martial purpose. Snake boat races bring the people to the memories of the sovereign and prosperity of the period of their beloved king. Moolam Boat Race differs from other Snake Boat Races because it enlightens religious harmony. This race is the memorial of a Hindu idol procession which had been put down at the ancient Christian family “Mappilassery” for dusk worship. The idol was about to enshrine at “Ambalapuzha”, the kingdom capital of “Chembakassery” during the reign of the king Devanarayana. Every year it will be here in holy River Pamba. And there will be more than 10 Snake Boats as participants. The boats are sponsored by different villages. On the day all villages will be in their full spirit to win the race. We arrange a boat trip for you to watch the programme.