Thousands participate in snake boat race in south India

The event was organised at the Punnamada Lake. Large number of locals gathered at the riverside to support their favourite teams, as the rowers rolled their crafted snake boats into the backwaters.The first boat race was held here in 1952 to honour the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was on a trip to the state.Impressed by the vibrant sport, Nehru had donated a rolling trophy for the winner and since then this competition gained more popularity with each passing year.Around 59 boats participated in the competition but Devas Chundan of Chambakulam Jesus boat club won the race.Snake boats are long and narrow, originally designed to transport soldiers to the war front with speed of about 50 kilometres (31 miles) an hour. But these days they are exclusively used for races.The construction of the boat, usually over 50 metres long, takes nearly two years and costs over $40,000 each.