Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will inaugurate the Golden Jubilee edition of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival on November 6 at Asanang, near Tura, in West Garo Hills district. The Wangala Festival, one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations of the Garo community, marks the end of the harvest season and honours the Sun God, Misi Saljong, for his blessings and prosperity.
This year’s event holds special significance as it marks 50 glorious years of the festival, which began in 1976 as a way to preserve and promote Garo heritage. The Golden Jubilee celebration is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Meghalaya, neighbouring states, and even international tourists who come to witness the grand spectacle of drums, dance, and tradition.
Chief Minister Sangma will inaugurate the festival and deliver the keynote address, highlighting the government’s continued support for cultural preservation and community-based tourism in Meghalaya.
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Celebration of Heritage and Identity
The Wangala Festival, often referred to as the “Festival of 100 Drums,” is celebrated with traditional music, colourful attire, and rhythmic dance performances by men and women of the Garo community. It symbolises gratitude for a bountiful harvest and celebrates the unity, joy, and spirit of the people.
During the three-day event, participants perform the Wangala dance to the beat of 100 traditional drums known as “Dama.” The rhythmic drumming and traditional chants echo across the hills, creating an atmosphere of celebration and devotion. Women dressed in colourful Dakmanda and men wearing traditional attire perform synchronized dance movements that reflect centuries-old customs.
The festival also features traditional games, indigenous food stalls, and craft exhibitions that showcase the creativity and heritage of the Garo Hills. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies, handicrafts, and cultural performances that highlight the diversity of Meghalaya’s tribal communities.
Meghalaya CM Wangala Festival Inauguration to Highlight Cultural Unity
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s participation in the Golden Jubilee celebrations underscores the state government’s commitment to preserving indigenous traditions. He has often emphasized that Meghalaya’s identity lies in its rich cultural diversity and the unity of its people.
Speaking ahead of the festival, the Chief Minister said that the Wangala Festival stands as a symbol of pride for the Garos and represents the harmony between humans and nature. He added that the state government has taken multiple initiatives to support such cultural events, which not only preserve tradition but also promote tourism and local economies.
The Meghalaya government has been encouraging community-led festivals as part of its broader cultural tourism initiative. Through programmes that promote rural homestays, traditional art, and eco-tourism, the government aims to make cultural celebrations an integral part of sustainable economic growth.
A Major Tourist Attraction in the Garo Hills
The Golden Jubilee Wangala Festival is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists this year. The Tourism Department has collaborated with local organisers to ensure better facilities, accommodation, and safety measures for visitors.
Officials have confirmed that arrangements are in place for road connectivity, medical support, and crowd management. The district administration has also coordinated with local communities to ensure that the event remains environmentally friendly and respectful of local customs.
The Wangala Festival has gained national attention over the years for its grandeur and authenticity. It has become one of Meghalaya’s most iconic festivals, alongside the Nongkrem Dance Festival of the Khasi Hills and the Behdeinkhlam Festival of the Jaintia Hills.
Highlights of the Golden Jubilee Celebration
This year’s celebration will feature special performances representing the journey of Wangala through the past five decades. Traditional music groups from different parts of Garo Hills will perform at the main venue in Asanang, recreating the spirit of community and tradition.
Several cultural troupes from across the Northeast are also expected to participate, making the event a vibrant showcase of regional unity. Folk musicians will perform traditional instruments like Dama, A’king drum, and Gongs, while dancers will present the age-old Wangala steps in synchrony with the rhythmic beats.
The Golden Jubilee will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring individuals and groups who have contributed to preserving Garo traditions and promoting the Wangala Festival over the years. Chief Minister Sangma will present the awards and address the gathering, acknowledging the role of cultural custodians in keeping Meghalaya’s heritage alive.
Local artisans will display handwoven fabrics, bamboo crafts, and organic products, while food stalls will serve Garo delicacies like Nakham Bitchi and rice beer. The event aims to blend cultural pride with economic opportunity, offering villagers a platform to showcase their skills and generate income.
Promoting Cultural Tourism and Sustainability
The Meghalaya government views the Wangala Festival as more than a cultural event—it is a model for sustainable tourism that connects communities and preserves heritage. Chief Minister Sangma has repeatedly encouraged young people to engage in cultural entrepreneurship by promoting traditional music, crafts, and eco-tourism.
He stated that community-led festivals like Wangala are vital for strengthening Meghalaya’s tourism industry while ensuring that local people benefit directly. The festival’s success over the decades has inspired similar celebrations across the state, creating a cultural network that highlights Meghalaya’s diverse traditions.
Environmental sustainability will also remain a key focus during this year’s celebration. Organisers have planned measures to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the event.
A Festival of Unity and Pride
As Meghalaya prepares for the Golden Jubilee edition of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival, excitement is building across the state. For the Garo community, it is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of their cultural identity and connection to nature.
Chief Minister Sangma’s inauguration of the festival on November 6 will mark a historic milestone in the cultural calendar of Meghalaya. The event is expected to highlight the strength of indigenous traditions and the growing importance of cultural tourism in shaping the state’s future.
Through rhythmic drumming, vibrant dance, and joyful celebration, the Golden Jubilee Wangala Festival will once again echo the enduring spirit of the Garo Hills and the collective pride of its people.
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