Experienced in September 2022
The world famous 'Nehru Trophy Boatrace' is held every year at Lake Punnamada, Alapuzha. All these years, I am sure I have had glimpses of the race on TV channels, to go and watch the race live wasn't a to-do item in my list. This August, while I was browsing the newspaper, got to see the message that gave details of this years race, date, location and the ways to secure a booking for the event. Guess, that's when the bells rang and a flash of thought got into my mind - why not go and experience it live!! Now that I live in Kerala, isn't this the best opportunity to go and see the widely followed boatrace, that has fans all around the world! Our heritages are our pride...I believe these events that make us different and unique are to be celebrated. So, I decided to be part of the celebration. Pack bags to Alapuzha!!
It was 5 of us who decided to go for watching the spectacular show on the waters of the Punnamada lake. We started early morning at 5 am from Thrissur and drove on the highways to reach Alapuzha by 8 am. Had breakfast from a neat and clean restaurant on our way and then headed to find a parking space for the car. Finally found one, parked the car and walked almost 2 km to reach the venue. There were several volunteers and Kerala Police officers deployed all around to help tourists.
We walked to the Rose Corner, which was quite near the finishing line. It was wide, neat, covered and had chairs to sit. We found our comfortable seats and waited for the show to begin. At around 11 am, the small boat race go started. It was their heats round. The winners were selected and they were to give their best in the finals.
The ambiance was electrifying. Fans cheering their favourite boat clubs, reciting their anthems, drumming and whistling!! Countless cheers of "Aarpooo...Eerrooo...Eerooo..." will be deafening to hear loud and heavy from all sides, the festive vibes at its best! We spotted a few foreigners and several news channels within and outside India to broadcast the event live. Since this year marked the resumption of the boatrace after a gap of two years due to covid, there was unprecedented crowd to witness the event.
After the lunch break, the much awaited snake boat race began. First was heats round and then the thrilling 4 rounds of finals. The fans were amazing! Some of them even took off to jump into the water to cheer their club as the boats raced to the finishing lines. It was interesting to see Kerala Police squad also participate.
The snake boats are quite long. It can seat upto 100 rowers. Each team has a captain and a cheering squad also to energize their rowers in the boat. Every team has a uniform jersey for its rowers, boat with the name of the club they represent. They row from the starting point of Punnamada Kayal for more than a kilometre and half to the finishing point. Judges are seated at the finishing point to record the time taken by each boat to race to finishing line.
During the breaktime, inorder to entertain the crowd, there were boats with traditional Kerala dance forms, Kathakali etc demonstrated. Some water acrobatics were also performed which were fun to watch.
The environment got tenser as we approached the finals. The boats raced neck to neck and most of the winners did a photo finish, displayed their brilliance in rowing. This is one outstanding matter about this race - The energy, rhythm, uniformity and steadiness with which the rowers row the boat! Its a fantastic view. We would be dumbstruck with their pace and skills.
This year, Mahadevikadu Kattil Thekkethil Chundan, rowed by Pallathuruthy Boat Club, scripted its maiden triumph in the Nehru Trophy boat race. Nadubhagom, rowed by Kumarakom-based NCDC Boat Club, and Veeyapuram, powered by Punnamada club, finished second and third, respectively. Police Boat Club’s Chambakkulam came fourth.
Final Finish:
We walked back on the jam packed roads, took about an hour to walk those 2 km back to our car parking. Somehow managed to get out, drove back home. Overall, it was a great experience. I am glad to be part of the mega event this year, and created memories forever to cherish.
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