As the "snake-boat race" season ended in Kollam, Kerala in India on Saturday, crews of over 60 rowers swung their oars together and guided boats of?more 30 metres in length through the'serene waters' of Ashtamundi Lake.

The largest watercrafts in the world - used for racing anywhere in the globe - competed over a 1,100 metre course for the President's Trophy.

In the 13th Century, these lean wooden vessels with their?raised sterns, which make them look like slithering snakes, were designed as 'war vessels. Since then, they have become a cultural icon in Kerala. The state has a large riverine terrain and several villages that have developed rivalries among local boat clubs.

Kerala has been hosting boat races for decades. The 73-year old Nehru trophy is the most prestigious.

The local government has restructured them in 2019 into the Champions 'Boat league to boost their popularity in the "soccer-mad" southern state.

The traditional mundu -- a white cloth worn around the waist -- was replaced by colourful team jerseys. A points table ranked the teams in 11 races during the league season.

Veeyapuram won the Champions Boat League after finishing the race in 3 minutes and 40 seconds. (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; editing by Clare Fallon)

(source: Reuters)