Kerala is sometimes called the "Venice of the East" because of the well-known boat race event. The event dates back several centuries and is best organized in the backwaters of the coastal state.

The boats are referred to as "Kundan Vallam" in the regional language, and only one boat from each village is permitted to participate. As a result, the entire town may take pride in it. The local council chooses some of the best and most accomplished rowers to represent them. Long "snake boats," normally 30 to 35 (100-140 ft) meters in length and may hold 64 to 128 paddlers, are used in traditional boat racing competitions. The boat has a long taper in the front and a rear that is roughly 20 feet tall. The British gave the boat the moniker "snake boat" because it resembles a snake. The occasion is planned during Onam, an autumn harvest festival that lasts several days.

Many other boat races are being held in Kerala. Now, let's talk about the popular Snake Boat Race that is held at Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha.

The Chundan boat race held in Alappuzha is the most popular and widely followed sport in India's southern region. The winning crew receives the Nehru Trophy after outpacing nearly 15 other boats in a four-track competition. Around 110 individuals work perfectly with each ship to move it forward as quickly as possible. Men in the boat sing songs to maintain their enthusiasm and motivation. Each boat has at least 25 people just there to sing songs timed to the oarsmen's strokes. Songs of the boatmen, known as vanchipattu, are sung using conventional percussion instruments.

The oarsmen's diet and nutrition are taken care of by their community because the annual boat race, held during Kerala's harvest festival Onam (between August and September), is so revered. On the major day of the competition, all the oarsmen are fed a feast known as Vallasadhya when a winning boat crosses the finish line. The rowers have a custom of singing upbeat songs as they eat!

Shikara Ride in Punnamada Lake - In Punnamada Lake, taking a shikara ride can be a fantastic experience. Even if it seems costly, one might be completely satisfied with their riding experience after finishing it.

Snake boat race - In Punnamada Lake, the Nehru Trophy Boat race is a must-see event. It only occurs once a year; to see it, travel to Punnamada Lake on the second Saturday in August and experience the tradition of Kerala in its Backwaters.

Ride on the canoe on the lake - The Punnamada Lake is amazing. Its serene waterways make for an almost spiritual boat journey. I recommend exploring this lake for two to three hours in a canoe or a medium-sized houseboat and experiencing the beauty of the Backwaters.

Even after 400 years, the custom hasn't lost even a little of its allure. Everyone, from little children to senior citizens, gathers to celebrate Onam and engage in the celebrations of backwater races.