The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race was inaugurated at Punnamada Lake in Kerala’s Alappuzha on Saturday (August 22), with 71 boats, including 22 famed snake boats, set to battle for the prestigious title.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the annual water festival, which has brought Punnamada to the peak of its traditional boat-racing fervour. The heats for the boats has begun.

Karnataka Chief Minister among chief guests

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the event as chief guests.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal MP were also present on the inaugural stage.

Cultural Affairs Minister P C Vishnunadh hoisted the flag, formally marking the beginning of the 72nd edition of the celebrated water festival.

71 boats in the race for Punnamada glory

A total of 71 boats, including 22 chundan vallams, are competing to become the champions of Punnamada Lake.

The snake boats are the biggest attraction of the Nehru Trophy, with thousands of spectators gathering along the banks to watch the long and narrow vessels race through the water to the thunderous rhythm of hundreds of oars.

The event marks the return of one of Kerala’s biggest traditional sporting spectacles, with the excitement in Punnamada reaching a high as the snake boat heats prepare to get under way.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held annually on Punnamada Lake and is regarded as one of Kerala’s most celebrated traditional water sporting events.