President’s Trophy Boat Race

President’s Trophy Boat Race 2026

The President’s Trophy Boat Race is one of Kerala’s celebrated snake boat racing events, held on the scenic Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 21 November as part of the Champions Boat League (CBL), Kerala’s competitive snake boat racing series.

The race was first held in 2011 and was named after former President of India Pratibha Patil, who attended the inaugural event. It has since become an important sporting and cultural attraction in Kollam, drawing spectators to the lake’s banks to witness the power, coordination and precision of traditional boat racing.

The competition features long, narrow snake boats known as chundan vallams, propelled by teams of rowers moving in synchrony to the rhythm of traditional boat songs and chants. The atmosphere combines sporting excitement with the cultural traditions of Kerala’s backwater communities.

The race course stretches approximately 1,200 metres across Ashtamudi Lake, from the Thevally Bridge area towards the boat jetty near the KSRTC bus station. The event forms the concluding race of the 2026 Champions Boat League calendar.

Event Details

• Date: 21 November 2026

• Venue: Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam, Kerala

• Race course: Approximately 1,200 metres

• Category: Traditional Boat Race / Sporting Event / Cultural Heritage

• Organizer: Kerala Tourism and the Champions Boat League

• Highlights: Snake boat races, traditional boat songs, team competitions and a festive atmosphere along the backwaters

• Timings and tickets: Confirm through the official event updates before attending.

The President’s Trophy Boat Race offers visitors an opportunity to experience Kerala’s distinctive boat-racing traditions and the communal spirit that makes its backwater festivals memorable.