The Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Vallam Kali)

Nehru trophy boat race (Vallam Kali) :-

Why in news? 

Nehru trophy boat race may postpone due to Covid Virus Pandemic in Kerala. The event usually takes place on 14th August every year. 

What is Nehru trophy boat race :-

The Nehru Boat Race /Championship Boat League is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, Kerala. Vallam Kali or Vallamkaliy literally means boat play /game, but can be translated to boat race in English.

The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats). Other categories of boats which participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam.

History behind Nehru trophy boat race :-

The story behind this Boat race getting its name goes back to the visit of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952. He was so impressed by the sight of the majestic snake boats that he leapt onto one of the snake boats himself, ignoring his security cover. Later on in the year, he donated a silver trophy, a replica of a snakeboat with the inscription "To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin." The trophy was initially named Prime Minister’s trophy but later came to be known as Nehru trophy.

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