Alappuzha, Kerala: The waves of Punnamada Lake came alive on Saturday as Veeyapuram Chundan, rowed by Village Boat Club, Kainakary, won the 71st Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Nadubhagam Chundan of Punnamada Boat Club became the first runner-up, followed by Melppadam Chundan of Pallathuruthy Boat Club and Niranam Chundan of Niranam Boat Club.

Finalists’ heat timings:

Nadubagam – 4:20.904

Veeyapuram– 4:21.810

Melppadam– 4:22.123

Niranam – 4:21.269

This year’s regatta saw 75 boats, including 21 chundan vallams (snake boats), competing across six heats. Four boats with the best timings advanced to the grand finale, where Veepuram emerged as the champion.This year, 75 boats, including 21 majestic Chundan Vallams or snake boats, are in contention.

These slender marvels, stretching between 120 and 140 feet, carry about 120 oarsmen each.

The captain and his associates stand tall at the stern, beating rhythms and barking instructions that keep the rowers in perfect unison, turning the spectacle into a symphony of muscle and water.

The official inauguration was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, presided over by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, with Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister Rajesh Kumar Indukant Modi leading a foreign delegation among the guests.

The race track itself measures 1.1 km, but the energy of the event stretches far beyond.

Every inch of the banks was filled, with crowds spilling into vantage points days in advance.

Tourists from across the globe thronged Alappuzha, their cameras capturing every paddle stroke, while premium seats at the finishing pavilion were sold out well ahead of time.