Tura, Nov 11: For the first time in close to two years the 100 Drums Wangala post harvest festival of the Garo tribe is taking place in an open manner that permits crowds to participate and witness this age old tradition.

This is also the first time the event is taking place in a gala style, a stark comparison to last year’s three-day festival which was basically symbolic and devoid of crowds due to the Covid-19 pandemic which was taking lives and spreading infection all around.

Another important aspect to this year’s celebration is that the event is being organized at its new and permanent site at Chibragre, where close to 200 bighas of land have been donated to the Wangala committee for the permanent site by the Nokma and his clan.

Earlier, for many years, the three day festival was held at Asanang field of Rongram block which became a point of contention due to space constraints, swelling crowds and chaotic traffic snarls as the venue fell on the side of the national highway.

On Thursday, the 44th 100 Drums Wangala Festival took off at the permanent site that has been named Wangala Adam or site at Xhibragre, which is just 13 kms from Tura.

This year’s festival has taken off with the traditional and indigenous games called Wa’pong Sika or bamboo fight, Jakpong Pe’a or arm wrestling, An’ding Oka, Rong’ma De’susa and chilsusa’a or lifting of a large round stone to test strength of an individual.

A traditional handloom and handcrafts exhibition cum sale has also started on Thursday.

The Chief Executive Member of GHADC Benedic R Marak inaugurated the festival on the first day and urged the organizers and participants to keep the traditions and culture of the Garos strong by holding such events annually to teach and encourage the younger generation about the values of their tribal customs and preserving them.To encourage other tribal customs’ participation, special dances from the Chibok garo sub tribe and the Koch community was also presented during the first day.

On Friday, the main religious events of Rugala and Chachat so’a or burning of incense and Dani Doka or beating of drums will take place at the Nokma’s home signalling the start of the 100 drums Wangala festival.

It may be mentioned that only the Garo villages which are Songsareks who follow the traditional tribal religion can participate in the 100 Drums Wangala Festival which will see the beating of 100 drummers and dance by 100 maidens.