The Nehru Trophy Boat Race commemorates former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to the state in 1952 when a pageantry of boats accompanied him on his trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha.

The first race was conducted impromptu at that time in his honour. Nehru, thrilled by the performance of the rowers, jumped into a snake boat disregarding security arrangements and protocol. The boat proceeded to the jetty with him on board.

On returning to Delhi, Nehru donated a silver trophy to the rowers. It is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus, with an inscription and his signature.