Trials for Snake Boat Race begins in Kerala

Trials for the 55th annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race have begun in right earnest in the backwaters of Alleppey District in Kerala state. The oarsmen are practicing rigorously on the Punnamada Lake in the district, which is popularly known as the Venice of the East. Hundreds of oarsmen are selected by each club that is participating in the race. Group sessions are conducted every day before and after practice.