Tura, November 14: The 50th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival made history on Saturday as more than 1,000 traditional drummers, accompanied by women dancers and warriors, performed at Chibragre in West Garo Hills, securing a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Wangala Dance during the festival’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
The historic achievement was announced by Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Williams Stenning from the United Kingdom during the concluding ceremony at the Garo Heritage Village, Wangala A·dam, Chibragre.
According to a press release issued by the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, India, earned the prestigious recognition following a special Wangala performance organised as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The record-breaking event featured more than 1,000 traditional Dama players performing together in the Rhythm of Thousand Drums, accompanied by women dancers and warriors. A 12-member team from Garo Hills also participated in the judging process for the record attempt.
The closing ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as Chief Guest, along with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Power Minister T.D. Shira and Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul M. Sangma attended the programme as Guests of Honour, along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat congratulated the people of Meghalaya on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for successfully completing 50 years of the Wangala Festival. He described Wangala as an important expression of gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest and highlighted its significance in preserving the traditional culture and identity of the Garo community.
The Union Minister also spoke about the potential of the Wangala Festival and the Garo Hills region to develop as a major cultural tourism destination. He observed that promoting the region’s cultural heritage could create employment and livelihood opportunities for local youth.
Shekhawat further expressed the Central Government’s willingness to support the Meghalaya Government in promoting Garo Hills as a cultural tourism destination.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, in his address, thanked the Union Minister, the organising committee and all the performers for their contributions to the historic achievement.
Recalling the festival’s journey over the past five decades, Sangma said the celebration began in 1976 with just 20 drums before expanding to the traditional 100 drums. He said the Golden Jubilee celebration, which witnessed 1,000 drums being played together, marked the fulfilment of the vision of his late father and former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma.
The Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the efforts of the organisers, performers and the Garo community in preserving and promoting the Wangala Festival over the years.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul M. Sangma also congratulated the people on the historic achievement and acknowledged the community’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural traditions for five decades.
Meanwhile, the concluding day also featured a traditional Wangala dance competition involving ten contingents. Chidaogre emerged as the winner of the competition and received a trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. Gondenggre secured the first runner-up position and received a trophy and Rs 1.5 lakh, while Sadolbra finished as second runner-up and was awarded a trophy and Rs 1 lakh. Consolation prizes were also presented to all participating contingents in recognition of their contributions to the festival.
The West Garo Hills District Administration expressed gratitude to the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee for its sustained efforts in organising the Golden Jubilee celebration and mobilising the drummers, dancers and village contingents who contributed to the Guinness World Records achievement.
The administration also acknowledged the financial and logistical support provided by the Meghalaya Government and the Tourism Department for the successful organisation of the festival.
According to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the State Government provided Rs. 20 crore through the Public Works Department for the development of the Wangala A·dam venue and Rs. 6 crore for organising this year’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
Of the funds sanctioned for the festival, Rs 36.65 lakh was allocated towards the Guinness World Records application, adjudication process and related logistical arrangements.
The District Administration further thanked the traditional drummers, dancers, village contingents, Nokmas, government departments, police and security personnel, volunteers and the people of West Garo Hills for their participation and cooperation.
