As the small town ofAlappuzhabids adieu to the resilient but cathartic monsoon rains, it embarks on the next arduous display of determination in the month of August – The Nehru Snake Boat Race. Peg the bone-drenching rain versus the grit of the oarsmen of the race and you would struggle to establish the stronger contestant. The marvelous display of fortitude is a must watch on the second Saturday of every August.

The otherwise serene waters of Punnamada Lake have witnessed legendary stories of sweat and sinew since 1952, when Pandit Nehru visited Kerala and was felicitated by the locals in the snake boats. A rolling trophy presented by him, thus came into existence and found itself as the most prestigious amongst the several championships organized on the canals of the region.

The legend goes that these enormous vehicles served as the only mode of transportation for kings and warriors to combat the complex canal system in the area. Hence, the vast network of canals became bloody battlegrounds and the kingdom boats the only medium of sustenance on them. The upright hooded snake structure of the boat adorned the symbols of Kings on an otherwise simplistic boat. The raised hood also housed the navigator to keep vigilance on approaching enemy boats. The capacity of this architectural wonder on water could accommodate a majestic army of one hundred and fifty along with the weapons.

To weave the same magic of valour and astute navigation, Alappuzha is witness to a simulation of the age old remarkable tradition. Snake boats or Vallams are pitched from neighboring villages with teams practicing for close to a month. The boats are drawn out of the shelters, re-hauled for perfection and stalwarts of the business selected to pick the appropriate team. Ten boats qualify for the final race after a series of heats organized weeks before the finals.

On an average, the current boats made of Anjili wood are approximately 120 feet long and carry upto hundred oarsmen and about twelve others to navigate and sing rhythmic songs of encouragement to keep the spirits high. The middle of the boat, historically used for the weapons, now has an entourage of singers. These boats take on each other for a kilometer stretch of cheering locals and awe-struck tourists. All who complete the race are greeted by the specially built pavilion, spilling with VIPs, Media and enthused spectators.

Having found an eminent space in the prominent festivals of India, this event beckons one to take a hedonistic plunge with the locals, into the modern-day battleground of Alappuzha waters.