In unison to the rhythm and gusto of the frenetic vanjipattu (boat songs) thousands of oarsmen bring down their oars while thousands of people throng the banks of the Astamudi Lake to cheer the majestic snake boats. Such is the ardour of Presidents Trophy Boat Race. Every year on November 1st, when Kerala celebrates its birthday, Kollam witnesses this spectacular water carnival. The trophy is instituted in the name of the President of India and the first edition was inaugurated by the then President Smt.Pratibha Devi Singh Patil herself.

President’s trophy attracts people from far and wide with its visual extravaganza and spirit since its inception in 2011. This old port town has a history of water sports that gradually paved way to this grand event. The venue is at Gateway of Ashtamudi. The race starts from the water column near Thevally Palace and the finishing point is at the house boat terminal. The Track for the race is the 1250 m stretch of water body between these two points. Watching this water regatta in its full spirit will sure be a feast for your eyes and ears.

This year’s event will be inaugurated by Sri.Pinarayi Vijayan, Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala on November 1st, 2017.