Kerala’s Snake Boat Racers Defy Floods and Financial Strain

Despite severe monsoon flooding that has displaced thousands across Kerala, local communities and rowing clubs are pushing forward to keep the centuries-old tradition of vallam kali (snake boat racing) alive. Around 20 massive wooden vessels—each measuring roughly 100 feet long and powered by nearly 100 oarsmen—are set to compete over a 1.4 km course on […]