By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 14: After a gap of nearly three decades, the historic Umngot Boat Race made a vibrant comeback, rekindling a long-forgotten riverine tradition of the Khasi–Jaintia communities and offering an emotional moment for elderly participants, some now over 80 years of age, who last competed in the event in 1997.
Popularly known as Sport Lieng in the 1990s, the boat race was held at Darrang on December 12 and 13 as part of the 4th edition of the Tri Hills Festival. The revival marked a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s cultural renaissance and drew unprecedented public participation and enthusiasm.
A few of the participants who had taken part in the last Umngot Boat Race held at Dawki in 1997 returned to compete this year, expressing disbelief and joy at being able to relive a tradition they never thought they would witness again in their lifetime.
“We never expected that we would be able to take part in this boat race again during our lifetime,” they said.
The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from residents of Darrang, Dawki and Shnongpdeng. Boatmen and boatwomen, youths, children and elders alike registered and competed not only in boat races but also in other water-based activities, including water polo.
Deeply rooted in the riverine culture of the region, the Umngot Boat Race symbolises the spiritual and cultural bond between local communities and their rivers. Its revival after 28 years attracted a large number of spectators and recorded the highest participation ever, surpassing even the races held in the 1990s.
The event was organised by Elaka Darrang with support from the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya. The race was formally flagged off by Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary, Arts and Culture Department, along with Eoghan O’Regan, Head of the Welsh Government at the British Deputy High Commission. The event was also attended by P. Lymba, Dolloi of Elaka Darrang; Alan West Kharkongor, President of the Meghalaya River Tourism Forum (MRTF); and several other dignitaries.
In his inaugural address, Frederick Roy Kharkongor expressed satisfaction at the successful revival of one of Meghalaya’s lost traditional sports, stating that the Tri Hills Festival is not merely a celebration but a purposeful initiative to protect, conserve and enrich the state’s diverse cultural heritage.
Eoghan O’Regan, in his address, praised Meghalaya’s scenic beauty and emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and passing them on to future generations.
Alan West Kharkongor, who conceptualised and curated the event along with his team at Weskin Enterprise, said the Tri Hills Festival was deliberately taken outside Shillong to rediscover and showcase lesser-known cultural traditions of the state. He noted that the Umngot Boat Race reflects the deep cultural and spiritual connection between communities and their sacred rivers, where boating, swimming and water diving were once integral to daily life.
In the men’s category, Charlie Ryngksai and his team clinched first place, followed by Barist Pohktai and team in second position, while Henry Ryngksai and team secured third place. In the women’s category, the Shibakha team emerged winners, with Geeting Kongwang finishing second and Rose Ryngksai and her team securing third place.
Education Minister and local MLA Lahkmen Rymbui attended the prize distribution ceremony and presented awards to the winners along with Director of Arts and Culture Iadashisha Majaw.
The celebrations concluded with a lively musical extravaganza featuring local artists and bands including Na U Bnai, Pynter Orchestra, Dalariti, Enibha War, Sur Na Nongkyndong, Khun U Woh, Summersalt and Snowhite, providing a festive finale to the historic revival of the Umngot Boat Race.
