The famous Snake boat race of Kerala which originated long ago as a Naval Warfare in South India has now evolved into an international cultural sporting event. Hundred odd pairs or ebony shoulders rip the placid surface of backwaters while they propel their snake boats with pure muscle power. War cries of the navigators and oarsmen invigorated by traditional music of more than a dozen musicians gives an adrenaline rush even to spectators on the banks. Twenty or more such, 50 mt long, chandanvallams or snake boats, called so because of their resemblance to the raised hood of a hissing cobra, fight to reach the finish line. Excitement thus generated shatters the trademark tranquility of the backwaters as thousands of spectators roar with the oarsmen while cheering for their favorite boats.