KERALA SNAKE BOAT RACE

SNAKE BOAT RACE OF KERALA The snake boat race festival is a sport that signifies TEAM SPIRIT, INTEGRATION and AMITY of the people of the backwaters of Kerala.

This is the LARGEST and only sport in the world in which more than 100 people participate in team.

Traditionally each boat belongs to a village and the villagers worship boat like deity.

THE ORIGIN OF SNAKE BOAT RACE FESTIVAL

The annual snake boat race festival held in Allapuza is a thrilling event were giant snake boats compete for the prestigious Nehru trophy.

When Nehru was India's P.M, he visited Kerala and people of Allapuza gave him a grand welcome with snake boats along the backwaters.

As Nehru saw demonstrations of rowers provisos, he suggested an annual race to be held and donated the Nehru trophy to be given to the winning team.

SBR festivals are held just before the Onam festival.

Manned by 4 helmsmen, 100-125 oarsmen and singers, sitting in 2 rows along the length of the boat and sails to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu or boatmen’s song.

To make the boat slippery while in water, it is oiled with a mixture of fish oil, coconut shell carbon and eggs.

KERALA SNAKE BOAT RACE FESTIVAL

The boat usually for the race is chundanvallom.

This boat is about 100-138 ft in length with the rear portion towering to a height of about 20 ft and a long tapering front portion.

Its hull is built of planks precisely 83 ft in length and 6 inch wide.

This boat get his name as snake boat because if we see from aerial view it move like a snake through the lake.

The other boat which also performs at this event are; palliyodanKettu vallom

ABOUT SNAKE BOAT

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