Kerala's iconic Thazhathangadi to host 125th boat race championship

Thazhathangadi is preparing to host the 125th edition of its renowned boat race, cementing its position as a premier venue for Kerala's traditional water sports. The upcoming championship will feature nine snakeboats, all of which have previously competed in the celebrated Nehru Trophy Boat Race, one of India's most prestigious sporting events.

The race will form part of the Champions Boat League, a competitive circuit that brings together the finest traditional longboats from across Kerala's backwaters. With the seventh leg scheduled at Thazhathangadi, the event promises to showcase the skill, synchronization and heritage of this centuries-old sporting tradition.

Traditional snakeboats, known locally as chundan vallams, require crews of up to 100 rowers working in perfect unison to propel these elegant wooden vessels through narrow backwater channels. The boats are characterized by their distinctive curved prows and sterns, which resemble the hood of a cobra—hence the name.

The championship reflects the enduring appeal of Kerala's traditional boat racing, which has evolved from ancient royal practices into a modern competitive sport. Events like the Champions Boat League ensure that this cultural heritage remains vibrant while providing a platform for communities and boat clubs across the state to compete at the highest levels.