NE Regatta 2023 gets under way; spate of events at hand

SHILLONG, April 29: The four-day North East Regatta 2023 kicked off on Saturday at the pristine Umiam Watersports Complex with a series of events now set to enthrall the visitors for the next three days.
The event, which was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, will witness more than 100 participants from over 10 states across India, including 12 clubs. To add to that, teams from the Indian Army and Indian Navy are also actively taking part in four-day event.
The North East Regatta 2023 is a project that has been launched by the Tourism department in collaboration with Umiam Sailors Club, the first club of its kind in Meghalaya, and is being organised with an aim to promote sailing and other activities related to diving parasailing, et al.
During the inaugural programme, the tourism minister, while speaking to media persons, said the objective of the event is to encourage tourism, diversify activities under tourism so that tourists do not only come to Meghalaya to stay confined to a room but follow it up with more activities.
“We will also be introducing a yacht here and lake cruise, so those activities will accelerate the pace of tourism as a sector that can provide for every family,” Lyngdoh said
“Meghalaya aspires to host massive national-level water sports event in the years to come. Such an event of this stature will motivate our young  generation to excel in this sport,” he said.
It may be mentioned that the event will witness exciting boat races along with electrifying music concerts, featuring a diverse line-up of local, national and international artistes.
With nature in bounty, there are nature excursions, food and flea markets, a tour package for sailors and tourists, paintball, camping spots, and the introduction of river cruise boats at picturesque Umiam.
While Saturday’s concert featured K-Pop artiste Kim Woojin from South Korea as the headliner, the second day of the event will showcase Delhi-based band Twin Strings as the headlining act.
Some other equally brilliant and diverse artistes like Lynx, Ricaa Stella, Banrap, Rum & Monkeys, LB3, Young Natee, Larger Than 90 and DJ Favian are also lined up.
Others who were part of the inaugural programme include KHADC CEM Titosstarwell Chyne, Meghalaya DGP LR Bishnoi, Director of Tourism department Cyril V Diengdoh, et al.