Punnamada in Keralam’s Alappuzha sizzles as boat clubs battle for NTBR crown

The finishing point being marked at Punnamada for the 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha on August 20, 2026. | Photo Credit: P.R. Suresh The heats for the smaller boats, including Iruttukuthi C, Iruttukuthi B and Veppu A, which began around 11 a.m., have concluded, while the heats for the Chundans (snake boats) are now progressingAll roads lead to Alappuzha as Punnamada Lake comes alive with the roar of oars, fierce rivalries and the promise of glory, with the 72nd edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race getting under way on Saturday (August 22, 2026).The heats for the smaller boats, including Iruttukuthi C, Iruttukuthi B and Veppu A, which began around 11 a.m., have concluded, while the heats for the Chundans (snake boats) are now progressing. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is schedule