TURA: Minister for Tourism, Metbah Lyngdoh on Friday handed over a cheque of Rs 20 lakh to the chairman of 100 Drums Wangala Committee.
While attending the Rugala ceremony of the Wangala Festival at Asanggre near Tura as chief guest, Lyngdoh spoke on the importance of preserving the culture and identity of indigenous people.
It may be mentioned that a day ahead of the Wangala, a ritual called Rugala is performed by the Nokma (Village Chief) and in this ritual, the offering of the first hand special rice-beer along with cooked rice and the vegetables are given to Misi Saljong, the Great Giver.
The tourism minister expressed his happiness to witness the Wangala festival which he said that he had missed many times due to various reasons. He even greeted the people in Garo language and lauded the committee members for keeping the tradition alive and also appreciated the decision of the Wangala committee to promote the clean and green Wangala Festival.
Indigenous games and cultural competitions marked the second day. Many participants took part in the indigenous games which comprises of Wa’pong Sika, Jakpong Pe’a, An’ding O’ka, Rong’-ma Chilsusaa, Rong’-ma Gosusaa while cultural and recital competitions included Dimchrang, Sarenda, Chigring, Adil Sika amongst others.Advisor to the Chief Minister, Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai, Member of Legislative Assembly, Himalaya Shangpliang, Mohendro Rapsang, George B Lyngdoh, Kimfa Marbaniang, Director, Tourism Department, C V D Diengdoh, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Ram Singh, Superintendent of Police, Dr M G R Kumar, district officials were among others present at the Wangala festival.