Snake boat race support boats and Kerala backwaters during Vallam Kali
boats · sport
Support and rescue boats operate alongside traditional Chundan Vallam snake boats during a Vallam Kali (snake boat race) in Kerala, India.
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Aranmula boat race in Trivandrum, Kerala
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People wait for the boat race at the bank of the river in Trivandrum in Kerala. One can see the flags on the river symbolizing the start and end points of the race. The race involves over 40 long boats built of wood, each a 100 to 138 feet in length, the rear section of the boat being up to 20 feet tall. More commonly called snake boats, they are decorated with flowers and colorful cloth for the event. The boats typically have one ornamental umbrella in the center, and a golden lace in the front of the boat, with a flag. They can hold anywhere between 64 and 128 oarsmen, sitting in two rows on either edge of the boat. Besides this, 25 men sit or stand in the middle, to sing, some carrying colorful umbrellas. Traditionally, only men are allowed on these boats. All men are dressed in white M
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Result 2Kerala snake boat race preparations and rowing on scenic backwaters
boats · sport
Snake boats take to the Kerala backwaters during preparations for a Vallam Kali boat race in Kerala, India.
Result 3Kerala snake boat race officials monitor start on backwaters
sport · boats
Officials oversee the start of a traditional snake boat race on the Kerala backwaters in India. A motorised judging boat displays a prominent "STARTER" banner, with race officials positioned on board to supervise the event.
Result 4Snake Boat Race rowers gather before the competition begins in Punnamada Lake, in Kerala
sport · boats
Participants in a traditional Kerala Snake Boat Race (Vallam Kali) as they wait for their turn before the competition. The rowers, dressed in coordinated race attire, walk along a paved pathway leading towards the waterfront staging area.
Result 5Traditional Boat racing on the Backwaters of Kerala
Alappuzha, Kerala·boats · sport
The viewing area of a traditional Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race) held on the scenic backwaters of Kerala, India. Spectators gather along the waterfront as Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats) line up near the riverbank in preparation for the race.
Result 6Festival atmosphere during Kerala's famous Snake Boat Race on Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
Kerala·boats · sport
The lively atmosphere of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Vallam Kali) on Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Large crowds gather along the lakeside to watch the traditional Chundan Vallam (Snake Boat) teams compete across the water.
Result 7Houseboats cruise through the Kerala Backwaters under monsoon skies
Alappuzha, Kerala·river · monsoon
The Kerala Backwaters in Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala, India, under an overcast monsoon sky. Traditional houseboats (Kettuvallams) navigate the wide canals while smaller motorboats travel between villages.
Result 8Traditional snake boats race across Punnamada Lake during Kerala's Nehru trophy boat race
Alappuzha, Kerala·boats · sport
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Vallam Kali) on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Teams compete in traditional Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats), recognised by their long wooden hulls and distinctive elevated sterns.