The President’s Trophy Boat Race, is a prestigious
event held at the palm-fringed, picturesque Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam,
the cashew paradise in Kerala. With the distinction of being the only
regatta on the country in the name of the President of India, it
reflects the ethos of this land of backwaters.
The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat
races are the major attraction of the event. As the oarsmen throw their
oars in unison to the fast paced rhythm of the vanchipattu (Song of the
Boatsmen), the huge black carfts slice through pristine race course of
Ashtamudi Lake to a spectacular finish. Hundreds of spectators,
including tourists from abroad, thronging the lake front, erupts out of
joy.
Set to become one of the major boat races in the region, the first edition of the prestigious event was held on August 30.
