Shillong, Nov 7: The rhythmic beats of 100 drums echoed once again through the Wangala A•dam at Chibragre as the 49th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival — the grand harvest festival of the Garos — was celebrated with traditional fervour and unity.
A total of ten villages participated in this year’s festivities: Tosekgre, Chidaogre, Rapdikgre, Chibragre, Dalbenggre, Wa’nok Damggre, Chepagre, Tura Wangala Troupe, Saldobra, and Gonddenggre.
The highlight of the celebration was the return of Tosekgre village, the very first winners of the Hundred Drums Wangala in 1976, when the festival was first celebrated.
After a hiatus of 28 years since 1998, the team made a triumphant comeback, rekindling memories of the festival’s rich cultural legacy.
Today is the second day of the festival. Chief minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the festival on Thursday.
Reverend Dilseng M. Sangma and Reverend Fr. Januarius S. Sangma led the gathering in a prayer for peace and prosperity, followed by the soulful rendition of the Wangala theme song, “DimDim Dimchong Dachichong.”
In his address, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the Hundred Drums Wangala will reach a historic milestone next year, as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee (50th year). To mark the grand occasion, the festival will be celebrated as the “1000 Drums Wangala Festival” — a first of its kind — symbolizing unity, strength, and the expanding cultural pride of the Garo Hills.
“The Wangala Festival is not just a community celebration but a state-level event that showcases Meghalaya’s rich culture,” the Chief Minister said. “We want to make the 50th year a grand occasion, involving all stakeholders — the public, the Wangala Committee, and government departments. We aim to invite dignitaries from across the country and beyond to experience our heritage.”
He further emphasized the importance of documentation and preserving its cultural essence for future generations.
The 49th Hundred Drums Wangala stood as a symbol of continuity, community, and pride — paving the way for an even grander celebration next year when a thousand drums will beat in unison to mark the Golden Jubilee of Meghalaya’s most iconic festival and with 1000 drums resounding the region with its rhythm and beat. Other points we can remove as it may have been carried in main stories and make it short.
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