Alappuzha (Kerala): A local holiday has been declared for all government offices and educational institutions across Alappuzha district on Saturday, August 22, in view of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Alappuzha District Collector Shaji V Nair issued the order granting the holiday. However, public examinations scheduled for the day will proceed as per the original timetable.

History and relevance of Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of India's most iconic water regattas, held annually on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. The event dates back to 1952, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the region and was enthralled by an impromptu race conducted in his honour by local oarsmen.

Upon returning to Delhi, he donated a silver trophy, a replica of a snake boat bearing his signature, which became the coveted prize for the annual contest.

Today, the regatta features majestic 100-foot-long ‘Chundan Vallams’ (snake boats) rowed in unison by over a hundred oarsmen to rhythmic ‘Vanchipattu’ folk songs, drawing thousands of domestic and international visitors to Kerala's backwaters.