Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of Independent India
How this boat race got the name
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of Independent India visited Kerala in 1952. He was given a roaring reception by the people of Alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race.
The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words are inscribed.
"To the winner of the boat-race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin".
The 100 - 120 feet long boats made of a forest wood locally called "Aanjili thadi" and is being moving like a snake through the channels , carrrying 90- 110 sailors is an eye catching sight for any tourist landing on to alapuzha for experiancing the boat race. The "Chundan Vallam" also has the record as "the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose" .
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