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famous regatta on Vembanad Lake takes place on the second Saturday
of August each year. Scores of long, low-slung Chundan Vallams (Snake
Boats) compete for the Nehru Cup. Each boat is crewed by upto 100
rowers shaded by gleaming silk umbrellas, watched avidly by thousands
of spectators, this annual event celebrates seafaring and martial
traditions of ancient Kerala.
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Nehru Cup Boat Race is a highly competitive event. The first race
was held in 1952 in honour of the then Prime Minister of India,
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. About 10 Snake Boats were present on that
occasion. Nehru was so fascinated and excited that he jumped into
the winning boat ignoring all security arrangements. On his return
to Delhi, he instituted a trophy for the winners of the event. Now
around 40 boats participate in the regatta.
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boats like Vepu, Iruttukuthi, Ody, Swan and Churulan participate
in the event in various categories, the magnificent Chundan Vallams
(Snake Boat) which are 60 - 65 metres long are its star attraction
with highly decorated sterns where the coxswains stand, leaning
over their large steering cars, the pace-setters thumping staves
and hundreds of men handling their paddle oars on each side churning
the still waters in fascinating rhythm and dip showering spray of
water.
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