72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race to be held on Punnamada Lake in Keralam on August 22

The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race will take place on August 22, 2026, at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala. A total of 71 boats will participate in various categories, with 22 boats competing in the Chundan (snake boat) race. Competitions will begin at 11 a.m., with heats for smaller boats first. Chief Minister V.D Satheesan will inaugurate the event at 2 p.m. There will be six heats for the Chundan boats, with four boats in the first four heats and three boats in the final two heats.

The four fastest boats will advance to the final round. Smaller boat winners will be determined by finishing times, displayed on a screen for public viewing. Alappuzha District Collector Shaji V. Nair declared a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions on Saturday, noting that public examinations will still proceed as scheduled.