TURA, Nov 11: Rugala Ceremony along with folk song competition marked the second day of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival at the A’chik Heritage Village at Wangala A’dam in Chibragre.
Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma, who attended the second day of the programme as the chief guest, expressed his gratitude to the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee for organising the festival.
Stating that the festival was being organised at Asanang for many years but had to be shifted due to various constraints, Mukul also expressed gratitude to the Nokma and the clan members for donating the land for the new site.
Recalling and acknowledging the immense contributions of the founding members of the committee, he said that in spite of various challenges faced by them, they have taken this festival to this present state.
Chairperson of Meghalaya State Commission for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Ferlin CA Sangma, who was the guest of honour, and Chairman of Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee Ronald Rikman Sangma were among others who also spoke on the day.
The highlight of the second day included Rugala, which was performed by the Nokma, where special rice beer along with cooked rice and the vegetables are given to Misi Saljong, the Great Giver.
Other than Rugala, the second day of the festival witnessed Ajia Doroa and folk song competition organised with an aim to promote the traditional music and musical instruments of the Garo tribe.
Other dignitaries who participated on the second day included Rangsakona MLA Zenith M Sangma, Salmanpara MLA Winnerson Sangma, MDC Sadiarani Sangma, Nokma Council President Skylance G Momin as well as district officials, members of the Wangala Committee and tourists from across the country and abroad.
