The 100-foot boats that create one of India’s greatest spectacles

The 100-foot boats that create one of India’s greatest spectacles

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 23, 2026: Every year, Kerala’s peaceful backwaters transform into a giant racecourse as massive snake boats packed with rowers compete in one of India’s most exciting and colourful traditions.

However, the peacefulness of these backwaters changes dramatically whenever the monsoons arrive, giving rise to what can be called one of the most exhilarating events in India. All of a sudden, snake boats that seem gigantic appear on the waterways and move rapidly thanks to the efforts of rowers who row in harmony as thousands of people watch from the banks.

The snake boat racing event is referred to as Vallam Kali in Kerala. It has been celebrated for ages. Chundan Vallams are long and graceful boats, with each one measuring up to 100 feet in length. Because of the high hood-like projection at the stern of the boat, which looks like the hood of the cobra, it is a fascinating sight to behold.

Hundreds of rowers, together with drummers and vocalists, ride on these boats. As many as 100 or more oarsmen paddle on the boat as the beat goes on.

The most famous of these contests is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. This tradition can be traced to 1952, when the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala and was amazed at watching a snake boat competition. As a result, he presented a trophy for the winners of this competition.

However, for the participants, these events mean far more than just winning. Preparation for such an occasion can take months of training and maintenance of the boats involved. On the actual day of the race, every single paddle stroke is a source of pride for the community members.

The event generates a highly charged atmosphere that can be seen in the drums being beaten on water and boat songs that resound from the crowds cheering as these enormous boats compete in their races.

What makes the snake boat races unique, apart from everything else mentioned above, is that they are just as significant now as they were years ago. The world today has become one where entertainment has been mechanized, but these ancient boat races have managed to retain their significance.

Once per year, Kerala turns into an enormous arena for sport, culture and community spirit.