The spectacular rhythm of the Hundred Drums Wangala festival concluded today at Chibragre which was witnessed by a record number of people on the third and final day of the festival.
Culturally the Wangala is the biggest festival of the Garos and basically, is a post harvest thanksgiving ceremony to ‘Misi Saljong’ also known as ‘Patigipa Rarongipa’, the Deity who gives in plenty.
Regional Director (NE), Ministry of Tourism Anil Oraw who attended the festival as chief guest expressed his gratitude and lauded the Wangala committee members for their effort and dedication in preserving the authentic culture and traditions of the community.
Calling everyone to enjoy the festival with cultural fervour, he said that people, especially youth, try to copy the West culture. He reminded the gathering that culture and tradition passed down by forefathers are more important which needs to be preserved.
Highlighting the importance of the festival, Oraw assured support from the Ministry of Tourism in the coming years.
Director, North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Ministry of Culture, Prasanna Gogoi said that the community should not forget their roots and identity and youth to understand and preserve the culture and identity for the future generation. He also insisted that everyone should learn the cultural practices and rituals and take the festival to greater heights in future.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani elaborated on the importance and significance of the Wangala festival.
Chairman of the Wangala Committee Ronald Rikman Sangma highlighted the tradition and rituals of the Wangala festival and called each one from the community to support and cooperate in preserving the culture and traditions.
The Wangala Anthem, “Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong” which is the age-old popular folk song composed by Late Millickson K Sangma was sung during the three-day festival.
Ten dance contingents participated in the competition that include Gondenggre, Sadolbra, Chibragre, Chidaogre, Dalbenggre, Mikalbra, from West Garo Hills, Rapdikgre from East Garo Hills, Wanokdamgre from North Garo Hills, Chepagre and Bangkabra from South West Garo Hills districts.
The winner of this year’s Wangala competition is Chidaogre followed by Gondenggre and Dalbengre dance troupes.
The Wangala Anthem, “Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong” which is the age old popular folk song composed by Late Millickson K Sangma was also sung during the festival.
Tourists from far and beyond including Germany, Switzerland, France, Bangladesh, Tamil Nadu, Pune, Assam, and media persons from various places came to witness the festival and enrich themselves with rituals called ‘Rugala’ which was performed a day ahead of the festival by the Nokma.
Rugala is a ritual performed by the Nokma (village chief). He offers the first hand special rice-beer along with cooked rice and the vegetables to ‘Misi Saljong’, the Great Giver.
Assistant Director Tourism, Anil Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director NEZCC Oliver Temsu Pongen, Inspector General, Shillong, H Singh Dhillon, Additional Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar, district officials and people all over Garo Hills region attended the festival.
Meanwhile, the second edition of the Krimkro Music Festival 2024, a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage also enlivened the Wangala evening with series of captivating performance by musical talents of the region featuring Riprap, Da Suraka, Saldorik and others which was organized by the Department of Tourism.
