TURA, Nov 4: The 46th Edition of 100 Drums Wangala Festival 2022 is all set to begin here at Wangala A.dam Chibragre near Tura on November 10. The post-harvest three-day cultural gala, organised by the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, is held on competitive lines and participated by ten dancing contingents drawn from all the four corners of Garo Hills.
The post-harvest festival is a thanksgiving ceremony observed by the ethnic and indigenous Garo tribes in honour of the deity ‘Misi Saljong’, the giver of blessing with bountiful and bumper yields in the just-concluded sowing seasons.
In the actual Wangala ceremony still being observed by the ‘Songsareks’ in certain pockets of Garo Hills and in neighbouring Bangladesh, the uninterrupted rituals and merrymaking would last for some three to four days to the accompaniment of blowing of trumpet made of a buffalo horn and beating of ‘Dama’ (elongated traditional Garo drums). It is also said that during this time, young boys and girls would choose their life partners.
The version of 100 Drums Wangala Festival, organised by the Committee is, however, only symbolic and a replica of the original version primarily done with a view to preserve and protect, and to inculcate in youths the need to understand the cultures, usages and traditions of one’s tribes, which is faced with serious challenges owing to the westernisation of cultures.
Preparations are under way in full swing at the Wangala A.dam, Chibragre, which will host the event for the second time this year after the festival was shifted from the earlier venue of Asananggre two years ago.
With all COVID-19 curbs having been lifted, the footfall of both the local populace and outside visitors is expected to be larger this year.
In view of last year’s traffic problems on the narrow approach road leading to the ground, the organisers, in collaboration with district administration and Tura Police, have worked out separate entry and exit routes this time around to ensure smooth flow of movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, too, was stuck in the traffic snarl last year during his visit to the venue.
This year, a host of dignitaries, including the chief minister, Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma, GHADC Chief Executive Member Albinush Marak, are expected to attend the festival on different days.
According to the chairman of the organising committee Ronald Rikman Sangma, who has been supervising the preparations, Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin is also expected to grace the occasion on the final day of the festival.
In addition to the usual participation of ten competing contingents, a special song by the Nagaland Garo Tribal Council, song and dances by the students of North-Eastern Hill University and Tura Government College also will be presented on the first day besides indigenous games.
On the second day, a ritual of ‘rugala’, wherein the offerings of first-hand produce and special ‘bitchi’ or rice beer will be offered to the deity, ‘Misi Saljong’, who is also known by the name of ‘Patigipa Ra.rongipa’ or the one ‘who gives and takes back’.
On the final day, ‘Sasat So.a’ or burning of incense will be performed by the Kamal or the Priest.
Other highlights of the three-day gala include handloom and handicraft exhibition, and competitions on traditional recitations and folk songs.
