Shillong, Nov 14: The Golden Jubilee celebration of the 50th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival concluded on Saturday at Garo Heritage Village, Wangala A·dam, Chibragre, with the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee earning a Guinness World Records title for the largest Wangala Dance.
Over 1,000 dama players performed together in the rhythm of thousand drums, alongside women dancers and warriors, followed by a special Wangala performance for the record attempt.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Williams Stenning from the United Kingdom announced the record at the venue. A 12-member team from Garo Hills also took part in judging the event.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was the chief guest. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Power Minister Timothy D Shira and Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul M. Sangma attended as guests of honour.
Shekhawat conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Prime Minister and the people of India on 50 years of the festival. He described Wangala as an expression of gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest, and said Wangala and Garo Hills have potential for cultural tourism and livelihoods for local youth. He said the centre is willing to support the state in promoting the region as a cultural tourism destination.
The Chief Minister thanked the Union Minister, organisers and performers. He recalled that the festival began in 1976 with 20 drums, grew to 100, and has now reached 1,000 drums at its Golden Jubilee, fulfilling the vision of the late PA Sangma.
Dhar and Mukul Sangma also congratulated the community for preserving the festival for five decades.
In the dance competition among ten contingents, Chidaogre won the first prize of Rs 2 lakh, Gondenggre was first runner-up with Rs 1.5 lakh, and Sadolbra was second runner-up with Rs 1 lakh. Consolation prizes were given to all contingents.
The district administration said the state government provided Rs 20 crore through PWD for development of the Wangala A·dam venue and Rs 6 crore for organisation of this year’s festival, including Rs 36.65 lakh for the Guinness World Records application, adjudication and logistics.
