Why in the News?

With the southwest monsoon gradually setting in, Nouka Baich boat races will soon commence in West Bengal and Bangladesh.

About Nouka Baich

Nouka Baich is the traditional boat race of Bengal.
It is predominantly held in the rural pockets of West Bengal, including Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.
Historically male-dominated, recent years have seen increasing participation by women.
Timing and Duration:
- Monsoon Season: The races commence with the onset of the south-west monsoon, usually starting in the middle of the rainy season.
- Extended Period: The events continue until September, with some races extending into October and November, depending on the region.

Diverse Fleet: Unlike Kerala’s boat races, which typically feature a single type of boat, Bengal’s races use various traditional boats.
Common Boat Types: Chhip, Kaile Bachhari, Chande Bachhari, Chitoi, Sorpi, and Sorengi are commonly used in the races.
Unique Features: Each boat type has unique design features and historical significance, with some boats like the Sorengi being over 90 feet long and designed to mimic natural forms.

	Location	Occasion	Highlights
Nehru Trophy Boat Race	Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala	Second Saturday of August	Named after Jawaharlal Nehru; features snake boats (Chundan Vallams) accommodating over 100 rowers.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race	Pampa River, Alappuzha, Kerala	June or July	One of the oldest boat races, commemorates the installation of Lord Krishna’s idol at Ambalappuzha Temple.
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali	Pampa River, Aranmula, Kerala	Onam (August or September)	Features Palliyodams (large snake boats); significant for the Parthasarathy Temple.
Payippad Jalotsavam	Payippad Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala	Onam (August or September)	Celebrates the installation of deity at Subramanya Swamy Temple; features snake boats and canoes.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race	Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala	Last week of December	Part of Cochin Carnival; attracts tourists, named after Indira Gandhi.
Pongal Boat Race	Bhuvanagiri, Tamil Nadu	Pongal festival (January)	Vibrant cultural displays; local fishermen participate.
Hiyang Tannaba	Manipur	Lai Haraoba festival	Traditional boat race with long narrow boats, reflecting the Meitei community’s traditions.
Sithargal Boat Race	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	Pongal festival	Highlights the maritime culture of the region; attracts numerous participants and spectators.