This popular trophy game started since 1952 on when the prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala. It was during this time that the people of Alleppey performed this show as a welcoming ceremony in honour of the Prime minister which made him impressed by the game and thereby gifted a token of appreciation for the special show and later on it became a popular game quite competitive and quite thrilling enough that it had captured even the attention of tourist. Whoever has visited Kerala does not want to miss this special game.
The trophy is nothing but a replica of a snake boat in silver, placed on the wooden abacus inscribing the words as to the winner of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin.
Alleppey today has earned a great fame for this snake boat race. If you wish to enjoy the excitement of this game Onam is the best festival where you will find the game conducted in sequence. Onam is one of the biggest festivals of Kerala celebrated in commemoration of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary emperor Mahabali. These festival falls during the month of August-September which last for ten days and during these days the snake boat race is also conducted in different places of the state. So if you are interested to be there amidst the roaring howl of crowds and the cheering shouts and laughers of these festival plan your trip during this month and be the special guest like Jawaharlal Nehru and be impressed for lifetime.
Nehru trophy is a legendary game that will last for lifetime it's worth experiencing it, try to eye witness the game visit Kerala and soak in the excitement of the team game of snake boat race.