The 44th edition of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival got off to a start with the opening ceremony being held at the village of Chibragre in West Garo Hills.
The current edition is the second edition of the festival to be held at Wangala Adam, the permanent location of the festival, after it was moved from the village of Asanang last year. While festivities were muted last year during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the better situation is expected to bring in bigger crowds this year.
Wangala is the biggest post-harvest festival of the Garos. The festival relates to thanksgiving to Misi Saljong the sun god for blessing the people with a rich harvest.
The event is organized by the 100 Drums Wangala Festival Committee with the event being flagged off today by the CEM of GHADC, Benedict Marak, Chairman Rakesh Sangma and other members of the district council.
While today did not see much activity, the coming two days of the festival will see hectic performances by troupes from across Garo Hills in the hope of winning the event and the cash prize that follows.
As per the organizers, extra care is taken by them and the administration to ensure Covid protocols are maintained as much as possible.
Meghalaya Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh is expected to grace the occasion tomorrow along with the MLA from Selsella, FCA Sangma. On the final day Rajya Sabha MP WR Kharlukhi will be present as the guest of honour with the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, being the chief guest.
Besides the performances by the Wangala troupes, the three-day festival will also showcase indigenous sports of the Garos.