A long-forgotten river tradition of Meghalaya returned to life as the Umngot Boat Race, locally known as jingiakop kieng lieng, was revived on December 12 and 13 at Darrang after a gap of 28 years. The last time the race was held was in 1997 at Dawki.
The revival formed a major highlight of the 4th edition of the Tri Hills Festival and drew the highest participation the event has seen, with large crowds lining the banks of the Umngot River. Deeply rooted in the cultural life of the Khasi–Jaintia communities living along the river, the race reaffirmed the enduring bond between the people and their sacred waterways.
The event was organised by the Elaka Darrang with support from the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, and was formally flagged off by senior officials from the state government along with representatives from the British Deputy High Commission, reflecting the festival’s growing international cultural links.
Residents from Darrang, Dawki and Shnongpdeng turned out in large numbers, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the two-day event. Participants from across generations—including men, women, youths, children and elders—competed not only in the traditional boat races but also in other water-based activities, adding to the spirit of celebration.
One of the most poignant moments came when a few participants who had competed in the 1997 race returned to take part once again, now in their eighties. Their presence served as a living bridge between past and present, as they spoke of the joy of seeing a tradition they once feared was lost being passed on to a new generation.
Women participants recalled that earlier editions of the competition were held in Dawki and attracted participants from across the region, including swimmers and competitors from Bangladesh. They said reviving the race today was especially important for young people, who must now witness and carry forward the tradition for the future.
The competition concluded with a prize distribution ceremony attended by Education Minister and local MLA Lahkmen Rymbui. In the men’s category, the first prize was won by Charlie Ryngksai and his team, followed by Barist Pohktai and Henry Ryngksai and his team. In the women’s category, the Shibakha team secured first place, with Geeting Kongwang and Rose Ryngksai and her team finishing second and third respectively.
The celebrations ended with a vibrant musical programme featuring popular local bands, marking a fitting close to a historic cultural revival.
The Umngot Boat Race revival aligned closely with the broader vision of the Tri Hills Festival, organised by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, to celebrate the shared heritage of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities. The 4th edition of the festival was organised around the theme “Rivers, Roots, and Revival,” focusing on rediscovering and promoting forgotten traditions linked to Meghalaya’s rivers.
More than a sporting event, the return of the Umngot Boat Race stands as a powerful reminder of Meghalaya’s living cultural heritage—one that continues to flow through its rivers, memories and people.
