Snake boat race held at Rudrasagar Lake in Tripura

Melaghar (Tripura), Sept 24 (ANI): Thousands of men and women participated in a spectacular event of snake boat race held annually at Melaghar village of Tripura on Wednesday.

The event was organised at Rudrasagar Lake by the state Information Affairs and Tourism Department and the fishermen community.

Over 50 boats of small and big sizes, including snake boats, participated in the race, which is annually organised during August or September.

Thousands of people thronged the watersides of Rudrasagar Lake to witness the spectacle.

Organisers say that the tradition of boat race has been followed by their ancestors.

"Our forefathers used to do this and now our husbands also do it. We also participate in the race along with our husbands. Several women participate in boat race with full enthusiasm," said Soma, one of the organiser.

Participants forget everything and participate with full enthusiasm.

"We wait for this day through out the year because we enjoy on this day a lot. Forgetting about our income for four to five days, we enthusiastically prepare for this event. We start some of the preparation a month before the event," said Ratan Das, a participant Tourists enjoy the snake boats, whipped by the wind.

"I have never seen such a boat race earlier," said Mausami, a tourist. (ANI)