Punnamada in Keralam’s Alappuzha sizzles as boat clubs battle for NTBR crown

The heats for the smaller boats, including Iruttukuthi C, Iruttukuthi B and Veppu A, which began around 11 a.m., have concluded, while the heats for the Chundans (snake boats) are now progressing

All roads lead to Alappuzha as Punnamada Lake comes alive with the roar of oars, fierce rivalries and the promise of glory, with the 72nd edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race getting under way on Saturday (August 22, 2026).

The heats for the smaller boats, including Iruttukuthi C, Iruttukuthi B and Veppu A, which began around 11 a.m., have concluded, while the heats for the Chundans (snake boats) are now progressing. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to formally inaugurate the event at 2 p.m.

As many as 71 boats are competing in this year’s regatta across various categories, including 22 Chundan vallams, up from 21 last year. The Chundan category features six heats, with the four fastest boats qualifying for the Nehru Trophy final. Winners in the smaller boat categories will be decided based on their finishing times. The Thekkanodi Kettu category, in which women row the boats, has also attracted more entries, with four boats taking part this year compared with just one last year.

For the first time, the conduct of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race has been entrusted to an event management group, which has promised to give the iconic water festival a more professional and colourful makeover. A colour theme has also been introduced as part of the new approach.

Excitement has hit a crescendo along the lake banks here as fans wait to see who will wrest the coveted trophy this year. Veeyapuram Chundan, rowed by the Village Boat Club, Kainakary, emerged victorious last year and will be looking to defend its crown. The steep increase in the cash reward for winning teams has added further spice to the contest this time. The prize money has been raised to ₹25 lakh from ₹5 lakh last year.