Rising Sun Water Fest-2022 on ‘Umiam Lake’ ends in Meghalaya

Tags: Festivals State News

The first of its kind Rising Sun Water Fest ended on 5 November 2022 with a grand closing ceremony at Umiam Lake, Meghalaya showcasing the cultural heritage of the North eastern region. 

The water sports and cultural extravaganza held from November 3-5 was aimed at encouraging the sports loving youth to take up water sports like Rowing and Sailing. It also aimed at promoting tourism in the North East.

Organizers of the Fest 

The Rising Sun Water Fest was organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in cooperation with the governments of Assam and Meghalaya.

The Festival was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma on 3 November.  

The Chief minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma and Lt Gen RP Kalita, Army commander Eastern Command were the chief guests at the closing ceremony on 5 November.

Speaking on the occasion Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Assam and Meghalaya will work with the Indian Army to transform the Umiam Lake into a world-class venue for aquatic sports.

Umiam Lake 

The Umiam Lake also known as Barapani Lake is an artificial lake which was created after a dam was built on the river Umiam in early 1960s.  Umiam hydroelectric project supplies electricity to Meghalaya and Assam. The lake lies in the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong.

State of Meghalaya 

Meghalaya means the abode of clouds. 

Meghalaya was created as an autonomous state within Assam in 1970 and achieved full statehood on January 21, 1972 by carving out hilly areas of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo.

It has the wettest region in the world, Mawsynram village near Cherrapunji. Mawsynram has recorded rainfalls of 700mm per year.

The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong which was made Assam's capital in 1874, remained so till January 1972, 

Some of the famous cultural festival of Meghalaya 

Nongkrem dance festival 

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem dance, also popularly known as Nongkrem dance, is a five day religious festival of the Khasis tribe. It is celebrated during November month. Nongkrem Dance Festival is performed to appease the all-powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people.

Wangala Festival

The Wangala Festival is also known as the 100 drums festival.  It is a most popular festival among the Garos tribes of Meghalaya. Wangala Festival is a harvest festival held in honour of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility.

Behdienkhlam Festival

Behdienkhlam Festival is the most celebrated Cultural festival among the Pnars tribes. Behdienkhlam (chasing away the Demon of Cholera) is celebrated annually in July after the sowing period, the most important dance festival of the Jaintia tribes