Alappuzha gets ready for Nehru trophy boat race

Alappuzha: Alappuzha is in Vallamkali frenzy. Punnamada Lake will witness the biggest boat race in the globe on Saturday.

The 67th edition of Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) with 78 boats will also see the start of the three-month-long ambitious Champion Boat League (CBL).

Practising sessions of boat clubs with 24 snake boats and over 2,400 rowers are on the last lap at interiors of Kuttanad. The villages are now resonated with chants of legendary lines of Vanchippattu, and rhythm of paddles.

The annual event commemorates the visit of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Alappuzha 67 years ago. Last year it was rescheduled as a result of unprecedented floods.

Sunil Padmanabhan, secretary of United Boat Club (UBC), one of the oldest boat clubs in Kuttanad, says nothing can defeat their craze.

"It's the emotion of Kuttanad. Yes, we know flood continues to be a bitter memory for us. However, it is unable to dampen our spirit," says Mr Padmandbhan, whose house was underwater during the floods.

Some 100 Kanakary rowers are now under practice in Pampa River for the UBC, which won third place last year. The practise sessions start at 6 am and end by 6 pm.

"We have been in practice for the last couple of weeks. There is no rower from outside," he said.

St: Pious X Boat Club, Mankombu, which too have majority rowers from Kainakary, is practising at Mankombu.

'This time a kind of enthusiasm was seen among boat clubs since the CBL to be kicked off along with NTBR', says Linu Joseph, a member of the club.

Vinod Karichal, a boat race buff, says many of the boat clubs have decided to take part in the event with substantial financial liability. For Kuttanad, the boat race is part of their life as it represents the struggle they endure.

"Most of the Kainakarites are small-time farmers. They work hard in paddy fields throughout the year to make ends meet. Their hopes revolve around the crop," he says.

"But often the weather turns villain, snuffing out their dreams. For these hardworking folks, the annual racing season is social emancipation.  Over the years, it has become close to their hearts."

Meanwhile, the district administration has made all arrangements for the event.