“Unity is strength” is a universal principle that all of us have heard of and written essays on. This saying can’t be better deciphered than by looking at 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of Vanchipattu (song of the boatman), slicing their Chundan Vallam (snake boat) across the waves of Vembanad Lake; in short, Vallamkali (Boat Race).
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is held on the Punnamda Lake near Alappuzha on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front becomes an ocean of humanity. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, Vallamkali is not just a sport, but a splendid display of their culture and togetherness.
The history of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is associated with the visit of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, to Alappuzha. During his trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha across water-logged Kuttanad, a pageantry of Chundan Vallams accompanied him. Thrilled and excited by the performance of the oarsmen, Nehru donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus, inscribed – “To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin.”
Vallamkali is not only the world’s largest team sport but also an adrenaline-pumping, high-octave spectacle, with singers urging on the rowers, and cheering spectators. What makes it special is that the participating boats are no modern marvels, but magnificent traditional crafts called Chundan Vallam .
The 100-120 feet long canoes made of a forest wood locally called “Aanjili thadi” carrying rowers and moving like a snake through the lake is an electrifying sight for any onlooker. The Chundan Vallam has the record of “the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose”. Sleek and immaculately poised, the snake boats are the pride of every village.
From a distance, the galvanising beats of Chenda and Kathakali performances instill an impending combat-like scenario in the mind.
One end of the boat suggests a snake’s flared hood, which is why it’s called a ‘Snake Boat’. It takes more than a year to design and prepare a snake boat. Hard labour, patience and meticulous work are put into crafting these boats.
A triumph which is celebrated for months, winning the Nehru Trophy Vallamkali is a matter of inexpressible esteem for each and every villager of Kuttanad. Know more about boat race.
If you have questions, you can ask me on Twitter
High resolution pictures on Flickr
Also read: Rapture in a Tea Cup: A Day out in Munnar
Eye catching photos, Yes boat race is a part of ONAM celebration but the race shows the unity, strength and team spirit. Celebration is everywhere in Kerala. Happy ONAM!.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Yahoo India News, Clint Thomas . Clint Thomas said: On Yahoo! FTP >> Photos from the spectacular Boat Race (Vallamkali) in Kerala http://tinyurl.com/2u9r82c #yftp […]
HOW NICE OUR KERALUM(INDIA)…….
a great indian trademark boat race…we are proud of it
What a wonderful photos especially the drill. Only kerala can proove
the unity gathering together such occassions. HAPPY ONAM.
i know boat race but not looking for natural.yes this is one of the indian culture.
such a beutifull place it is…no wonder its said gods own country.. need to come to kerala ones….
Very nice photography, moreover it is spirit of India
beautiful,i love kerla and its traditions
bautiful,i love kerla and its traditions
its part of kerala culture and also shows the soprtsman spirit, remember beatifull memoriess
Wow! awesome these photos shows how much the people of India love their traditions and culture. Its a part of it in Kerela
Devatande Sondam Naad….
Happy ONAM to every one….
WOW GREAT ENERGY GOOD TEAM SPIRIT
I’m proud to be an Indian. Our country looks so beautiful wit various culture n tradition which shows our unity. Happy Onam to all malayalees.
A fantastic photos by state of kerala ,i interisting the ship runing
wounderfull.
Thes r jst awesome….!!!!!
wooooow. I also want to participate.
its shows the true culture of india i would also seen dat boat race in future……haapy onam..
Boat race is also very popular water sports in Bangladesh. It is locally known as “Nouka Baich” in Bengali. For more details please look in
Wonderful photographs its owesome
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Very nice photography, moreover it is spirit of India.HAPPY ONAM
Very Good Photo & wish you all a Very Happy ONAM
These oarsmens are seperated from their family for 3-5 months for the practice.it has an espense for more than 5-10 lakhs. but the govenment gives only very little as prize money.it has to be increased.
the boat race will boost up our tourism industry.
Excellent shots!!!!!
Very Nice and Good Photography and i want to participate this
I’ve always been in love with Kerala, Clint – your photo essays are making me fall in love all over again.
Lovely post – I think you should travel every weekend B-)
NICE COMMENTS
thats true happy onam
Kudos to Clint Thomas. More such enchanting photos to be posted in order to instil a feeling of togetherness among Keralites, a society which fast polarising in communal and other nefarious lines/ambitions.
Poloarizing on nefarious lines is the order of the day all over the world to some extent, which is aggravated by ‘greed for wealth’ as an inseparable part of fast growing economies. However, thank God !, only few people are engaged in such kind of activities, therefore we should think positive and look forward to propserity of our motherland.
Kerala is really ‘God’s Own Country’ in her natural beauty splendour !
I am proud to be a Keralite.
Other state mallu’s have the chance to enjoy such wonderfull pictures only….Thank you very much for the pictures..As usual kerala rocks and mallu’s rocks..HAPPY ONAM TO ALL MALAYALI’S…
Grt Shots…
Cool Pics, Happy Onam to one n all !
Our country looks so beautiful wit various culture n tradition which shows our unity.I love my India.
Am a kerelite believe me I havent been to any of thoses boat races
Hi Clint, great photos! Why don’t you travel to Kullu-Manali, my place? It is lovely too! I post all your photos on my facebook profile, and thank you there, too! Hope you don’t mind, but I want all my pals to look at your art!
YA
Vallamkali – the spirit of Kerala. Thanks for posting such an article and photos. Good job.
Its a great sport the boat race. I’ve been to Kerala and this boat race gets carried out somewhere near the alleppy area. Kerala is very scenic. India has a lot of wonderful scenic places which can act as hotspots for tourists. Love south Indian food 2. Ofcourse the masala dosa has made it to the list of best world food dishes.
Simply Amazing Pic! Don’t have words to describe..
Its a lovely place no wounder its called gods own place.
God Bless you and Happy New Year.
If anyone wants to know the history of this event and the photos from the FIRST time it was held please email me.
Om Namo Shiva
Swamiji, Please send me the old photos
hmm..proud to be malayalee…
Marvellous snaps. Above all the cultural spirit touches. Happy ONAM to all.
Amazing photos, Onam is really a colorful sport which shows unity and setrngth… HAPPY ONAM
WISH HAPPY ONAM FOR ALL OF THEM & ENJOY NICE.
lovely post dear frnd but i m sure i will miss it bcoz i m on ship now ,,,
[…] (Cochin) about 85kms away is your nearest spot. My colleague Clint Thomas has written about the Nehru Trophy boat race, the most popular one. If you are feeling bad you missed it, you could always catch some of […]