The 44th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival entered its second day today with the Rugala ceremony at the proposed permanent site of Wangala A’dam, Chibragre, near Tura.
Adviser to the Chief Minister and North Tura MLA, Thomas A Sangma, was chief guest while the Chairperson of Meghalaya State Commission for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (MSCCC&SD) and MLA of Selsella, Ferlin CA Sangma, was guest of honour.
A day ahead of the Wangala, a ritual called Rugala is performed by the Nokma and, in this ritual, the offering of special rice-beer along with cooked rice and vegetables are given to Misi Saljong, the Great Giver. The Rugala ceremony concluded the day’s activities with the rhythm of 100 drums.
While addressing the gathering, Thomas recalled the valuable contributions of the pioneers of the then Wangala Festival Committee to promote, protect and preserve the tradition and culture of the Garos. Looking at the increasing participation in the festival, he said that this will help to safeguard the culture and traditions as well as boost the morale of the people.
Ferlin expressed her gratitude for being given a chance to attend the festival and also mentioned the pioneers of the Wangala festival and commended their foresightedness in preserving the unique culture of the Garos.
The other highlights of the festival were indigenous games and cultural competitions. In the final of the tug of war contest, the Rongkhon team defeated the Rompa Matgrik team from Baghmara. The Rongkhon team have been the champions for the fourth time in a row.
Tomorrow, will be the finale of the festival with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expected to attend.
