With the theme circling around Rivers, Roots and Revival, the fourth edition of Tri Hills aligned with the effort to revive the lost boating sports of Darrang & Dawki area locally known as 'Sport Lieng'.
The community-focused festival was organised by the Arts and Culture Department, Government of Meghalaya, with the support of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs alongside the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) who brought one international band from Bhutan to perform during the official inauguration.
Water bodies, boats and rivers are a lifeline to the people of Meghalaya, be it to those who live by the river Umngot, Myntdu, Simsang, Ganol, Umiam, Kupli, Kynshi, Umngi or the others who depend on these rivers. The event reminded us that water transport is the most ecological model of communication that served and still serves as sustenance to tens of thousands of people by the river banks in the state. Tri Hills Ensemble, was therefore organised to celebrate the way of life of the land and its people and the interdependency between the community and the river.
Water Sports, Music, Cuisines & Crafts
The banks of the river Umngot near the suspending bridge came alive as the boat race started and skilled boatmen locally known as 'Ki Maji' from across the three hills displayed their rowing skills. Adding to the vibe are other water sports including water polo, swimming, diving, beach football and many more. A total of 84 competitors including 29 women, participated in all the sports disciplines, as the crowd in the hundreds cheered for their teams and winners emerged with pride.
Tri Hills this year is a community driven event where the Darrang Elaka played a vital role in the conduct of the three day event. The Doloi of the Elaka described, "This occasion is very significant to the people of Darrang and we are filled with joy that after 28 years of gap, the boat race was revived again. The gesture by the Department of Arts and Culture is not only well received but it has inspired us to continue in the coming years, to which we are thankful".
No cultural festival in Meghalaya is complete without the thud of a traditional drum and the sweet sound of the Duitara, as music troupes from across the state arrived at Darrang. Artistes who performed and lifted the spirit of Tri Hills included Snow white, Summersalt, Pynter Orchestra, Dalariti, Ki Sur na Nongkyndong, Na u Bnai, Enibha and many more. The audience also witnessed some traditional dances as dancers moved pleasantly with the foot-tapping live music, adding to the organic mode of the festival.
The banks of the river Umngot during the Tri Hills, saw a variety of indigenous cuisines and beverages coming from the nook and corner of the state, with the taste-buds of War Jaintia taking prominence. The marketplace at the ensemble saw handicrafts, wood carvings and bamboo arts being sold supporting the local economy. Tri Hills witnessed the presence of hundreds of tourists including those from other countries who danced to the foot-tapping folk-fusion music.
More about Sport Lieng
The legacy of Sport Lieng goes back in time, to the days where motor vehicles and road communication were nonexistent, hence the dependency on the water route. The river brought together local practices and people to learn from each other and trade with each other. As a celebration and leisure, villages and rural youth got together to organise local competitions as a way to bring communities closer, hence, bring peace to the soul and joy to life.
From the days of old, the host village is filled with excitement to welcome the competitors and guests, both male and female. The good cheer is not limited to the host village alone but the youth of adjoining villages are caught by storm to show their rowing skills ready to compete and celebrate. The winners take it all and they return as heroes back into their villages.
Official Inauguration
The festival commenced on December 10, where Meghalaya's Chief Minister officially declared it opened during the inaugural function held on the same day at Wards Lake. Present alongside the Chief Minister, was Minister in charge of Arts and Culture Sanbor Shullai, Adviser to the government of Meghalaya, Paul Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary to the government of Meghalaya. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS and Principal Secretary, in charge of Arts & Culture, FR Kharkongor, IAS.
During the inauguration programme, the Chief Minister handed over traditional oars to the boatmen as a symbol to declare the festival opened. Awards were also handed over to the persons and organisations who have contributed in the field of arts, crafts and cuisines. In his speech the Chief Minister said, "Tri Hills Ensemble stands as a proud celebration of the vibrant tribal heritage and the distinctive arts and crafts of our Khasi, Garo and Jaintia communities". He further described the ensemble as "A living testament to the spirit and identity of our people"
On December 12, the event was locally inaugurated jointly by Ma Pyrwa Lymba, Doloi of Elaka Darrang, in the presence of Eoghan O'regan, Head of India, Welsh Government, British High Commission, Mumbai and Frederick R. Kharkongor, IAS. Minister in charge of education and local MLA Lahkmen Rymbui, was present on the third day of the festival during the prize distribution and closing ceremony.