Uthradam Thirunal Pampa boat race in Neerettupuram on September 13: What to know

The highly anticipated Uthradam Thirunal Pampa boat race, featuring the prestigious KC Mammen Mappillai Trophy, and the popular Pampa boat race for the People's Trophy are scheduled to take place on  September 13. The joint event will commence at 2 pm at the Neerettupuram Pampa Water Stadium, bringing together the region's finest oarsmen in a spectacular display of strength and rhythm.

What's special about the Uthradam Thirunal boat race?
The Uthradam Thirunal boat race began in 1957 and features snake boats, aka chundanvallam. It is held on a 1 km water track, and the location is on the border of two districts - Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. The track's north and east portion is in Pathanamthitta, and the west and south sides are in Alappuzha. Only three snake boats can race here at a time. Last year's winner was the Thalavadi Chundan boat of Thalavadi Town Boat Club.

A grand celebration of sports and culture
To build up the excitement ahead of the main races, the organisers have planned a variety of cultural and community events. These include a cultural convention, vanchippattu (traditional boat song) competitions, a drawing competition for children, Athapookalam (floral carpet) contests, and seminars focusing on local agriculture and tourism. Winners of the Veppu boat category will be honoured with the Uthradam Thirunal Trophy and the Chakkulathamma Trophy.

Star-studded participation and lead-up events
Spectators can look forward to high-octane action, as several premier snake boats that compete in the legendary Nehru Trophy Boat Race and the Champions Boat League will be participating. The grand sporting spectacle is expected to draw major crowds, with Union and state ministers, alongside key public representatives, slated to grace the occasion.