72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race to Row Punnamada Lake on August 22

The serene waters of Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala, will come alive on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as the 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race unfolds. Organisers have announced that a total of 71 boats will compete across multiple categories, with the iconic Chundan (snake boat) race being the centrepiece of the event.

According to an official release, the Chundan category will feature 22 boats. The smaller boat categories include Churulan (2 boats), Iruttukuthi A (3), Iruttukuthi B (16), Iruttukuthi C (14), Veppu A (5), Veppu B (4), Thekkenodi Thara (1), and Thekkenodi Kettu (4). The competitions are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., with heats for the smaller boats held first. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the event at 2 p.m.

Following the inaugural function, heats for the Chundan boats and finals of the smaller boat categories will take place. The Chundan competition will have six heats. The first four heats will see four boats each, while the fifth and sixth heats will have three boats each. The top four boats based on the best finishing times will advance to the final round.

For the smaller boat categories, winners will be determined by their finishing times. To ensure transparency and public engagement, organisers said the timings will be displayed on a screen for spectators to view.

In view of the race, Alappuzha District Collector Shaji V. Nair has declared a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions in the district on Saturday. However, public examinations scheduled for the day will be held as planned.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of Kerala's most cherished sporting and cultural events. It traces its origins to 1952, when India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha and was so impressed by the snake boat races that he donated a silver trophy. The event has since been held annually on Punnamada Lake, drawing thousands of spectators from across the country and around the world.

The race is not merely a contest of speed but a celebration of Kerala's rich maritime heritage. The Chundan boats, which can stretch over 100 feet in length, are rowed by teams of up to 100 oarsmen, who sing traditional songs in rhythm to propel the sleek vessels forward. The sight of these ornate boats slicing through the water, accompanied by the roar of the crowd, makes the Nehru Trophy a truly spectacular experience.

Over the years, the event has also become a significant driver of tourism for Alappuzha, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East'. Hotels and houseboats in the region report high occupancy during the race weekend, and local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors.

As the 72nd edition approaches, preparations are in full swing. Officials have been working to ensure smooth logistics, including crowd management, safety measures, and live broadcasting arrangements. The district administration has urged spectators to follow guidelines and cooperate with security personnel to make the event a success.

With a rich legacy and a vibrant atmosphere, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race continues to be a symbol of Kerala's unity, sportsmanship, and cultural pride. All eyes will be on Punnamada Lake this Saturday as the oarsmen take to the water in pursuit of glory.