100 Drums Wangala festival begins

TURA: Traditional forms of sporting activities that witnessed active participation by both men and women for generations was once again rekindled in the sprawling field at Asananggre village, 18 kms from Tura, where the annual 100 Drums Wangala festival began on Thursday.
The first day of the three day festival also witnessed the traditional cuisines of the Garos being presented by participants of the ‘Masterchef Competition’ during which delicacies such as pork and chicken cooked in traditional bamboo over a flame and the use of banana leaves was showcased before a vast audience of tourists and locals alike.
The sporting events included the traditional tug-of-war, arm wrestling, lifting and carrying over of a huge stone in the traditional games called Jakpong Peoa, Anoding Oka, Waopong Sika, Rongoma Gosusaa and Rongoma Chilsusaani.
The District Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC) is also organizing an exhibition during the festival in which the public can purchase various items out on sale including unique wooden sculptures carved by talented youth  Garo Hills.
The colorful festival will culminate on Saturday when a hundred drums will take part in the Wangala before an audience of several thousand people from in and beyond the Garo Hills region of the State.