Navajeevan Boat Club of Maniyaoparambu in Kottayam practice for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Most of the teams participating in the Nehru Trophy Boat Race have roped in professional rowers from across the country.

An oarsman should be able to row at least 80 times per minute for the team to have a chance of winning.

On the day of the race which coincides with the beginning of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, the oarsmen dip their oars in unison with the sole aim of lifting the silver cup.

Tourists from across the globe flock to watch the oarsmen of the snake boats (chundan vallam) splash the waters in sync with rhythmic chants and drums.