In Kerala, the 68th edition of the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race will be held at Punnamada lake in Alappuzha district this afternoon. 20 snake boats (chundan valloms) will be competing for the coveted trophy, which bears the signature of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The event is marked by vigour, sportsman spirit and revelry. Competitions are held in nine categories in which nearly 77 boats including snake boats will take part. The heat rounds are being held this morning.

24 shikara paddlers from Dal Lake in Srinagar are also participating in the boat race this time. They will be part of the snake boat St Pious Tenth, paddled by Kumarakom Town Boat Club.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event at 2.30 pm, and the finals will take place around 5 pm.