Tura, November 11: The four-day Golden Jubilee celebration of the Wangala Festival commenced at A·chik Heritage Village, Wangala A·dam, Chibragre, in West Garo Hills on Wednesday, with the traditional 100 drums expanded to 1,000 drums to commemorate 50 years of the festival.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who attended the inaugural programme as Chief Guest, dedicated the historic celebration to the memory of his late father, former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma, who had envisioned 1,000 drums being played during the festival’s 50th anniversary.
The opening ceremony began with the traditional Chandal Goa in the presence of MLA Mehtab Chandee, other legislators, the Chief Executive Member (CEM), Members of District Council (MDCs), Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department Rosetta Mary Kurbah, IAS, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, senior officials and other dignitaries.
Following the opening prayer, a souvenir magazine titled Chirongdik, commemorating five decades of the Wangala Festival, was released.
Family members of the late Millickson K. Marak also presented his composition, the Wangala theme song Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong, as part of the inaugural celebrations.
The programme witnessed the felicitation of pioneers and former leaders of the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee (HDWFC) in recognition of their contributions to preserving and promoting the traditional festival.
A Wangala troupe from Karbi Anglong presented an exhibition dance, showcasing the cultural traditions associated with the celebration. Earlier, HDWFC Chairman Ronald Rikman Sangma delivered the welcome address.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed gratitude to God and described Wangala as one of the most significant cultural festivals of the Garo Hills.
Recalling the vision of his late father, P.A. Sangma, the Chief Minister said the former Lok Sabha Speaker had expressed a desire to witness 1,000 drums being played when the Wangala Festival completed 50 years. He dedicated the Golden Jubilee celebration to his father’s memory and his commitment to safeguarding Garo culture, traditions and identity.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to the founders and pioneers who played important roles in establishing and promoting the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival.
Among those remembered were Captain Williamson A. Sangma, Sanford K. Marak, Dr. Bernard K. Marak, Leander K. Marak, Prabir R. Marak, H.A. Marak and Herrick N. Sangma. Sangma appreciated the organising committee for recognising the contributions of the festival’s pioneers and honouring their families during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Highlighting the importance of cultural preservation, the Chief Minister stressed that economic development and progress must go hand in hand with the protection of traditional values and cultural identity. He said that while Meghalaya continued to progress through various government initiatives and development schemes aimed at creating opportunities for young people, it was equally important for communities to remain connected to their cultural roots.
The Chief Minister observed that several cities and countries were facing challenges after losing touch with their traditions and heritage. He urged the Garo community to embrace development and modern opportunities without compromising its cultural identity and traditional values.
Sangma also encouraged the people to celebrate the Golden Jubilee with pride, acknowledging the significant expenditure and collective efforts involved in organising the event, including arrangements for traditional costumes and transportation.
The four-day festival will feature a series of cultural programmes and traditional ceremonies celebrating the rich heritage of the Garo community.
Among the major attractions will be the Rhythm of Thousand Drums, along with the traditional Rugala and Chachat So·a ceremonies.
The celebrations will also include traditional dance competitions, folk song performances and indigenous games.
A special performance aimed at securing recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records is also scheduled as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Meghalaya Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar is scheduled to attend the festival as Chief Guest on Friday, November 13, while other distinguished dignitaries are expected to participate in the celebrations over the coming days.
The Golden Jubilee Wangala Festival will conclude on Saturday, November 14, with a closing ceremony and music fest.
