President’s Trophy Boat Race

About this event

The President's Trophy Boat Race is one of Kerala's premier traditional snake boat racing festivals, held annually on the picturesque waters of Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, celebrating the state's centuries-old heritage of vallam kali (boat racing), community spirit, and maritime traditions. Instituted in 2011, the event was introduced to commemorate the first visit of the President of India to the then newly inaugurated Ashtamudi Lake boat race venue, and the winning team receives the prestigious President's Trophy. Conducted under the supervision of the District Administration, Kollam, in association with the Tourism Department of Kerala, local authorities, and boat race organizing committees, the event has grown into one of the major attractions in Kerala's annual water sports calendar. The race showcases Kerala's iconic Chundan Vallams (snake boats), along with other traditional boat categories such as Veppu Vallam, Iruttukuthi Vallam, Churulan Vallam, Odi Vallam, and Thekkanodi Vallam, depending on the official competition schedule announced each year. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular snake boat race, where each beautifully crafted Chundan Vallam, often measuring over 100 feet in length, is powered by a large crew of skilled oarsmen who row in perfect synchronization while maintaining rhythm through traditional Vanchipattu (boat songs) and the energetic beats of Chenda Melam and other percussion instruments. The exceptional teamwork, discipline, speed, and endurance displayed by the rowers transform the tranquil waters of Ashtamudi Lake into an exciting arena of sporting excellence, drawing enthusiastic applause from thousands of spectators gathered along the lakeshore. Teams representing different villages, boat clubs, and local communities dedicate months of rigorous practice and preparation before participating in the competition, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural significance of boat racing in Kerala's backwater regions. Beyond the sporting competition, the President's Trophy Boat Race is a grand cultural celebration that showcases Kerala's living traditions through folk performances, classical dance, traditional music, cultural exhibitions, tourism promotion activities, local handicraft displays, food stalls, community events, and heritage programs, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors from across India and abroad. The event also serves as an important platform for promoting Kerala tourism, highlighting the scenic beauty of Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala's largest and most picturesque backwater destinations. Visitors experience breathtaking views of traditional boats gliding across the lake against a backdrop of coconut groves, villages, and vibrant cultural celebrations, making the festival a favorite among photographers, travel enthusiasts, and cultural researchers. The race also contributes significantly to the local economy by supporting tourism, hospitality, transportation, handicrafts, traditional boat builders, local vendors, and small businesses that benefit from the large number of visitors attending the event. Traditional boat building techniques, rowing practices, and Vanchipattu performances associated with the festival continue to preserve Kerala's rich maritime heritage while inspiring younger generations to participate in this unique sporting tradition. The President's Trophy Boat Race is recognized as one of the state's important water sports tourism events, reflecting Kerala's historic relationship with its rivers, lakes, and backwaters while promoting environmental awareness and community participation. For visitors searching for President's Trophy Boat Race Kollam, Ashtamudi Lake Boat Race, Kerala Snake Boat Race, Kollam tourism events, traditional boat festivals in Kerala, Vallam Kali, Kerala water sports, or Kerala cultural festivals, the event offers an unforgettable experience that combines sporting excitement, cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and community celebration. The President's Trophy Boat Race is generally held annually, and the official race date, competition schedule, participating boats, event timings, and related cultural programs are announced each year by the District Administration, Tourism Department, and the official organizing committee based on the annual event calendar.

🚆 Railway: Kollam Junction Railway Station

✈️ Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

🚌 Bus: Kollam KSRTC Bus Station / Asramam Boat Club area

🏨 Stay: Hotels & lodges available in Kollam city (Asramam / Chinnakada)

✅ Notes: Major annual snake boat race held on Ashtamudi Lake, featuring Vallam Kali competitions, cultural programs, and festive celebrations.