A unique Andhra boat race where fishing rights in Godavari are up for grabs

A unique boat race held on the banks of the Godavari River in coastal Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district has once again highlighted how tradition and livelihood are deeply intertwined for local fishing communities.

More than 100 fishermen took part in the annual competition, where the first person to reach the designated point on the river wins exclusive fishing rights for an entire year. The event, which began early Thursday morning, saw fishermen rowing vigorously along a 20-km stretch from Balusutippa.

The race is not merely a sport but a long-standing customary practice. The fisherman who reaches the marked area first secures complete fishing control over that spot until the next Godavari floods reset the rights.

“This boat race is both a matter of livelihood and a competition. Every year, on the same day, we hold this event. Whoever reaches the spot first gets the right to fish there for exactly one year. This is our village custom,” said Sangani Venkatesh, village head of Balusutippa.