Since 1952, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race has drawn thousands of oarsmen and lakhs of spectators to Punnamada Lake for Kerala’s most storied snake-boat contest. This year, 72 editions of grit, unity and water carry the legacy forward.
The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race concluded on 22 August 2026.
Aroma‑1 of Aroma Boat Club takes the 2026 Nehru Trophy.
From pre-race practice heats to the closing ceremony — every fixture across Punnamada Lake, in one place.
Daily morning practice heats for registered Chundan Vallam crews across the four lanes.
Iruttukuthy and Veppu class boats run timed trials to confirm final lane draws.
Official lane assignments published for all Race Day heats via the Live Race Centre.
Chenda melam and traditional boat songs (Vanchipattu) performed lakeside.
An evening of dance, music and craft stalls celebrating the backwaters.
Post-race felicitation of winning crews on the main stage at Punnamada.
22 Aug, 10:30 AM — official inauguration at the Nehru Trophy Pavilion, followed by the ceremonial procession of Chundan Vallams past the boat pavilion.
11:15 AM — welcome address, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp on the water.
12:00 PM — a synchronised paddle display by over 20 crews, marking the ceremonial opening of the race lanes before the first heat.
Chundan Vallam qualifiers
Iruttukuthy class
Veppu class
Nehru Trophy final, 3:30 PM
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on a visit to Alappuzha, is given a boat-shaped silver trophy by local boatmen — the origin of the race that now carries his name.
The race grows into Kerala’s premier backwater sporting event, drawing national broadcast coverage and international visitors.
Punnamada Lake’s grandstands are modernised; the race becomes a cornerstone of Kerala tourism’s global campaigns.
The 72nd edition brings live digital race tracking and the first NTBR Creator League to a new generation of fans.
Live from Instagram and YouTube — the build-up to Race Day, as told by fans and creators.
Six tiers of seating, digital QR tickets, and gate-side navigation baked in.
