Shillong, Nov 4: The Hundred Drums Wangala Festival is set to create history this year as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee with a record gathering of 1,000 drummers, 1,000 women dancers and 500 traditional artistes at Wangala A·dam in Chibagre.
Addressing a press conference, festival committee Chairman Ronald Rikman Ch. Sangma said preparations are underway for the biggest celebration in the 50-year history of the festival.
The chairman said the festival was started 50 years ago with a clear purpose to ensure younger generations learn, practice and do not forget Garo tradition and culture. He said the Golden Jubilee is significant not only for Garo Hills but for the entire state of Meghalaya.
For the historic edition, around 1,700 drummers had applied, but the committee could accommodate only 1,000 due to resource and logistical constraints. The Wangala A·dam venue has been expanded to handle the large number of performers and the expected sea of visitors.
The celebration will also showcase cultural unity, with eleven teams from Assam including Kamrup and Goalpara, a team from Karbi Anglong, and teams from Nagaland and Tripura expected to participate. The committee has also invited smaller Garo sub-tribes including Ruga, Chibok, Megam and Atong to bring together diverse traditions.
The four-day main festival will be held from November 11 to 14. The festival will open with the first round of the 1,000-drums performance and inauguration of an exhibition area with over 300 stalls showcasing local products, traditional ornaments, attire and souvenirs. He said on the second day, the festival will feature the traditional Rugala ceremony and another drums performance.
On November 13, the main Wangala day will be marked with the sacred Sasat Soa ritual and special performances by children, giving the younger generation a platform to connect with their heritage.
The final day will have indigenous sports and games, folk song competitions and prize distribution.
The wider jubilee programme will begin with a 10-km marathon on November 7, followed by an Indo-Bangla football match in Tura on November 10.
