In India, during which traditional festival are spectacular boat races a special and famous feature?

Introduction / Context:

This question belongs to Indian culture and festivals. It asks about a festival for which traditional boat races are a special feature. Such questions test awareness of regional customs, especially from states like Kerala, where boat races are a major cultural attraction during the harvest festival of Onam.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on a festival where boat races are an important highlight.
• All listed options are Indian festivals from different regions.
• We assume knowledge of regional celebrations, particularly in Kerala and the North East.
• The question aims at identifying the festival most closely associated with snake boat races.

Concept / Approach:

The main concept is the link between Onam and the famous Vallamkali or snake boat races in Kerala. These long, elaborately decorated boats compete on rivers and backwaters as part of Onam celebrations. The approach is to recall which festival is visually and culturally tied to such races and to distinguish it from festivals that celebrate with other forms of rituals and performances.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative Check:

To verify, consider the main cultural markers of the other festivals. Rongali Bihu in Assam is associated with Bihu dances, songs, and agricultural rituals. Pongal in Tamil Nadu focuses on cooking the Pongal dish and worship of cattle. Navratri involves nine nights of worship and dances such as Garba and Dandiya in states like Gujarat. None of these is centred on boat races. Only Onam is widely recognised in media and tourism campaigns for its snake boat races, which confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A, Rongali Bihu, celebrates the Assamese New Year and spring, with emphasis on music and dance rather than boat races.

Option C, Pongal, is a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu characterised by offerings, cattle worship, and community feasts, not by organised boat races.

Option D, Navratri, is a nine day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, known for devotional fasting and dances but not for river races.

Option E, Lohri, is a Punjabi festival marking the end of winter and is celebrated with bonfires and traditional songs, not with boat events.

Common Pitfalls:

Some learners may incorrectly associate boat races with festivals in Assam or other river rich regions simply because boats are common in those areas. Others may not distinguish between general water based activities and the specific, highly organised snake boat races of Kerala. A simple way to remember is to link Onam with three keywords: Kerala, harvest, and snake boat races.

Final Answer:

The festival where boat races are a special feature is Onam.