The boat races of Kerala are very famous. Many boat
races are organized throughout the year in the state of Kerala. Kuttanad
and the upper Kuttanad area are just one of the most famous boat racing
spots. Since most of the natives of Kerala are agriculturists and
fishermen by profession, boat races help to unwind them and show off
their graceful and muscular physique as they work with each other as a
team to win the race. Both the oarsmen and boats are selected carefully
irrespective of their caste, creed or classes, merely, on the basis of
their performances. Thus, a communal harmony is promoted through such
events and a bond of union binds all the classes as one.
The rolling backwaters of Kochi are very invitiong and thus a grand
gala is held here in the last week of December as a final touch to its
spectacular Tourism Fair. Cheering crowds, zest and festivity abound
when the sixteen majestic snake boats race neck to neck in gaiety, each
vying for the coveted trophy of the race, which was instituted in memory
of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.
