Overview

• Morning events began with small-boat races at 11 a.m., with snakeboat heats scheduled after the 2 p.m. inaugural function.
• Six heats will produce the four fastest qualifiers for the final using modern starting and photo‑finish systems.
• Roughly 1,500 police and traffic personnel are on duty for the regatta, and the district declared a local holiday for government offices and schools.
• Pallathuruthy Boat Club is rowing Melpadam Chundan after five consecutive NTBR wins, with rivals including UBC Kainakary and other village clubs.
• Crews trained twice daily for about 45 days, as clubs report costs topping Rs 1.5 crore compared with a winner’s purse of roughly Rs 9 lakh.