Kerala snake-boat teams race on flood-ridden waters despite financial strain

This weekend, roughly twenty 100-foot wooden snake boats will race on Kerala’s Punnamada Lake, drawing thousands of spectators from the shore and houseboats. The United Boat Club of Kainakary, led by veteran oarsman Vakkachan Theverkkat, will field a squad of about 150 rowers, many of whom travel from other Indian states, in pursuit of the prestigious Nehru Trophy. The region, part of the low-lying Alappuzha district, has recently endured deadly monsoon floods that claimed 28 lives and submerged homes and roads.

Despite the devastation, the club has maintained a rigorous twice-daily training regimen. Their vessel, Veeyapuram—also called “Vicious Veeru”—was funded by villagers who contributed roughly 9 million rupees and now incurs annual expenses close to 7 million rupees, with only modest earnings from sponsorships and prize money. While the Kerala government promotes the races for tourism, boat-owning communities receive scant financial support, yet leaders like Kamarudeen KA insist they will continue the tradition. The sport also serves as a unifying cultural symbol, with Hindu, Christian, and Islamic prayers and decorations featured on the boats.