A snake boat race attracted a large number of tourists from abroad. The Nehru Trophy is the most popular of all the races organized around the harvest festival of Kerala. The first boat race was held in 1952 to honor the first prime minister of India, when he visited the region.Usually a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 to 125 oarsmen. They row in unison to the fast rhythm of the song of the boatman.
Nine snake boats were in the grand finale.
Tourists from abroad watching the event seem quite thrilled.
[Victoria, American Tourist]:
"Never have we seen anything like this before. It is terrific and we appreciate it very much."
The rare boat race is held annually and is coordinated by the local tourism council. The secretary of the council says that this boat race is organized mainly for tourists to come along, and to generate income for the local fishermen and rowers.
[S. Vinukumar, Secretary, Promotion Council]:
"Boat race is a traditional sports event of the local community and that will also help them to generate some kind of income. So all these people are ready and willing to participate. If these kinds of events come in future, we will be willing to do in future."
The winner of the competition received a trophy and cash prize.
Snake boats are long and narrow boats, originally designed to transport soldiers to the war front with speeds of about 30 miles per hour. But these days they are used exclusively for races. The construction of the boat costs over $40,000 and takes almost two years to build.
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