Tura, Nov 7: The 48th 100 Drums Wangala festival began at Wangala A’dam or permanent site cum Garo Heritage village situated at Chibragre in West Garo Hills on Thursday.

Wangala or the ‘100 Drums Festival,’ is a representation of a distinctive and lively celebration of the Garo community of the state. This festival is also one of the colorful festivals of Meghalaya which highlights the rich Garo culture and also their respect toward nature and agriculture.

The Wangala Festival is the post-harvest festival of the Garos, which marks the conclusion of the agricultural season, where people express their gratitude to the deities for a plentiful and good harvest, while also seeking their blessings for the year ahead.

The first day will see inauguration of Handloom & Handicraft Exhibition, special dance by the OPATA and ASA NEHU, Rhythm of 100-Drums Wangala (introductory round), Master Chef Competition (Indigenous food).

Many people, including locals and foreigners, have started to arrive at the venue to witness the annual event of the Garo Tribe.

West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani, was the Chief guest for the inaugural day of the cultural event.

The Rugala ceremony, one of the highlights of the festival besides the 100 Drums dance, will be held on Friday. During the ceremony, the Nokma displays his valuable gongs covered with long banana leaves. All agricultural implements are placed beside the centrepost of the house. Rice beer is poured over the gongs, newly harvested crops are arranged in ritualistic patterns. Sacrifice is made to “Misi Saljong” the Goddess to bless, mankind with plentiful foodgrains. It is followed by social merry making-singing and dancing all night long by young and old to the rhythmic beating of drums.

On Saturday, the iconic 100 Drums Wangala dance will take place, which will also mark the conclusion of the 3-day festival.