TURA: The post-harvest festival of the Garos, the Hundred Drums Wangala which is held every year at Asanang near Tura is scheduled to be organised at the same venue from November 12-14.
Since time immemorial, the Garos have been observing the Wangala festival in their own villages as a thanksgiving ceremony to Misi Saljong, also known as Pattigipa Ra’rongipa (the great giver) for helping the farmers to reap their dividends after they toil the soil for the whole year.
The 100 Drums Wangala Festival is a larger version of the traditional village Wangala which is being celebrated at the same venue since the last many years.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is also scheduled to take part in the festival as the chief guest in the presence of dignitaries, government officials and tourists from the region and outside.
During the festival 10 Wangala contingents drawn from as many A’king or community owned clan holdings will converge to wow domestic and overseas audiences alike with their dancing and drumming skills.
Besides the traditional 100 drums Wangala presentation, other events that are lined up include Masterchef, Indigenous games/sports, oral traditions, Ajia, Doroa and Grika competitions concluding with the Rugala and Sa’sat So’a ceremony.
To make the event a grand success the finance committee of the festival has also urged potential sponsors like companies, departments, organizations etc., to contact its convenor, Roger Benny A Sangma, or the Rikman Hotel at Tura Bazaar.
