N Guwahati
November 19: The Rising Sun Water Festival - "Revisiting Saraighat," a spectacular three-day extravaganza, came to a grand culmination at Deepor Beel in Guwahati. This unique event, combining aquatic sports and cultural celebrations, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Assam, paid tribute to the valorous Indian Army, and aimed to become a landmark event for the entire Northeast India.
The sporting segment of the festival featured Sailing and Rowing, with over 100 athletes from 15 clubs participating, alongside a team of reputed technical staff and referees. Sailing competitions took place in various categories, including Enterprise, Laser, and Optimus classes for boys, men, girls, and open categories. A total of 47 participants from eight clubs across India competed in the Sailing events. Rowing events included Single Scull, Double Scull, Coxless Pair, and Coxless Four in boys, girls, and open categories. Sixty participants from seven clubs across India participated in the Rowing events. All races were officiated by internationally renowned officials and jury members. In addition to competitive races, the festival featured demonstrations of Wind surfing, Speed Boating, and Fun Sailing to promote water sports in the region. The Yatch Club Hyderabad was declared the winner in Sailing, while the 236 IWT of the Indian Army emerged victorious in Rowing.
The closing ceremony was graced by several esteemed guests, including Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Forest, Mrs. Nandita Gorlosa, Minister of Sports, Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Hon’ble MP, Shri B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Principal Secretary, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, Army Commander Eastern Command, Lt Gen Manish Erry, GOC Gajraj Corps, and other dignitaries from the civil and military sectors.
The closing ceremony featured a diverse array of attractions, including traditional music, dance performances, and art exhibitions that provided a glimpse into Assam's rich cultural tapestry. Special highlights of the event included a Drone show, a depiction of the Battle of Saraighat, musical performances by artists like violinist Ms. Sunita and dance performances by Megharanjini and her group. The festival also featured a fusion musical performance by military bands. In addition to the cultural displays, the Indian Army conducted a weapon equipment display, a Helicopter Fly-past, and Para Special Forces combat Free Fall demonstrations.
During the closing ceremony, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita expressed gratitude to the State Government for their invaluable contributions, emphasizing the success of the Rising Sun Water Festival 2023 - "Revisiting Saraighat" as a result of the relentless efforts and coordination between the Army’s Eastern Command and the State Government.
The Rising Sun Water Festival has left an indelible mark as a unique celebration of sports, culture, and the spirit of Assam, aiming to become a symbol of pride for the entire Northeast region.
