Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Onam 2026 Celebrates Kerala’s Traditional Vallam Kali Boat Race
Vallam Kali is a traditional boat race held in Kerala during the Onam season.
Long boats called Chundan Vallams race across the backwaters.
Some boats are more than 100 feet long.
More than 100 people can paddle one boat together.
They move their oars in the same rhythm.
Songs, chants and drums make the event exciting.
The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race took place at Punnamada Lake on August 22, 2026.
People could watch from the lake’s shores, houseboats or through DD Malayalam coverage.
The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race concluded on August 22, 2026, at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha.
Vallam Kali features Chundan Vallams, traditional snake boats that can stretch beyond 100 feet.
More than 100 oarsmen may paddle a single boat in coordinated rhythm.
Traditional Vanchipattu songs, chants and percussion accompany the races.
DD Malayalam is listed for live coverage, while the official Nehru Trophy website provides updates.
- Who
- Village teams and generations of oarsmen taking part in Vallam Kali, including the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
- What
- Kerala’s traditional snake-boat race, featuring Chundan Vallams and coordinated rowing.
- When
- The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race concluded on Saturday, August 22, 2026, during the Onam season.
- Where
- Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala; spectators can also watch from houseboats or through DD Malayalam.
- Why
- To celebrate Kerala’s heritage, teamwork, community spirit and village pride.
- Event
- 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Date
- Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Venue
- Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
- Traditional name
- Vallam Kali
- Boats
- Chundan Vallams, or traditional snake boats
- Boat length
- Some boats can stretch beyond 100 feet
- Live coverage
- DD Malayalam
- Updates
- The official Nehru Trophy website