The Boat Races of Kerala are fascinating and are famous throughout the world. Every year Kerala receives thousands of tourists, who come to Kerala to see and enjoy the thrills of the boat races. The annual Snake boat races are a thrilling experience both for the participants and the viewers. In fact, many foreign tourists come to India during the festival season to participate in the Snake boat race.

The Snake boat race takes place just before the festival of Onam in August/September every year. The festival sees many beautifully decorated boats in varied sizes and shapes. The giant Snake Boat or the Chundanvallams are the most sought after and spectacular boats that can be seen in the festival. The snake boat can carry as many as 100 people in a single boat. As the rowers row the boats, the leader maintains the rhythm by chants, songs and exclamations.

The exciting snake boat races held in Alappuzha in Kerala are also known as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The former prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru gave the trophy to the people of Alappuzha during his visit in 1952. The display of the unique boat race was first organized to welcome Nehru, who than suggested an annual race to be held every year and donated that trophy. The shape of the trophy is a replica of a snake boat set on a base.

The snake boat races are held in many venues in Kerala, India but the one held in Alappuzha before Onam is very popular.

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