TURA/AMPATI/WILLIAMNAGAR: The Wangala Dance was celebrated at Raksamgre in West Garo Hills. The first MLA of Raksamgre, Limison D. Sangma, hosted the festival for the third consecutive time this year.
In 2012, West Garo Hills formed another sub-division of a constituency by the name Raksamgre, and in 2013, Sangma became the first MLA of Raksamgre constituency.
The MLA said he is concerned about the Garos’ ancient tradition and the Wangala Dance festival would help in making the new generation aware of the tradition. The Wangala Dance (hundred drums) is actually a festival dedicated to the Garo god of sun and fertility.
Meanwhile winter festivals in two Garo Hills districts ended. The two-day Dimchrang winter festival in Ampati in South West Garo Hills concluded on Saturday.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma joined the revellers as the chief guest on the first day.
He also shared the stage with the Indian Idol fame Amit Paul where he sang Kishore Kumar’s evergreen number Kabhi Alvida naa kehna along with the singer.
Local youths showcased their talents in a series of competitions, including music, games and sports, dance and various other forms of arts.
They also got the opportunity to interact and share space with artistes from outside Meghalaya.
The three-day Simsang Festival 2017 concluded at Rongrenggre Higher Secondary School playground in Williamnagar with Meghalaya School Education and Literacy Minister Deborah C Marak as the chief guest.
Addressing the closing function, the minister said she started the festival when she was in Tourism Department and since then funds are being provided by the government.
The winter fest is a platform for youths to showcase their talent and a way to promote tourism, she added.
The highlights of the festival were formal declaration of Browny R Marak, the legendary Garo rock singer, indigenous games and sports, performance by Indian Idol finalist Amit Paul, Ultimate Page, Notes of Arongga, Eye-to-Eye and Riprap, among others.
