Nehru Trophy Boat Race Alleppey

A major tourist attraction in Alleppey is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race organized every year in connection with the Independence Day in August for the award of the Prime Minister's Trophy. This colourful water carnival is held at the Punnamada backwaters of Alappuzha district and it attracts thousands of spectators from all parts of the country. The gaily decorated boats of different shapes participate in the race. The first of these regattas was held in December 1952 in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who during his visit to Kerala was welcomed at Munro Turuth by a large number of country boats and escorted to Alleppey. The Prime Minister’s Trophy Boat race held every year on second Saturday in August thereafter commemorates this event. A Rolling Trophy made of silver representing a replica of a snake boat and placed on a wooden abacus, presented by the late Prime Minister is awarded to the winning boat in the race every year.