TURA, Nov 11: The 44th 100 Drums Wangala Festival, the post-harvest festival of the Garos which is held every year, began on Thursday at its permanent venue — the Wangala Adam at Chibragre, about 13 kilometres from Tura.
The first day of the festival was marked by the launching of the handloom and handicrafts exhibition along with the holding of indigenous games like Wa’pong sika, Jakpong pe’a, An’ding oka, Rong’ma de’susaa and Rong’ma chilsusaa.
Other highlights of the festival on the first day include the Chibok Dance and the Koch Dance.
The festival was inaugurated by Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) CEM, Benedic R Marak, in the presence of GHADC Chairman, Rakesh Sangma, and other Council MDCs besides other dignitaries including Nokma Council president, SG Momin, members of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival Committee, et al.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, the GHADC CEM informed the gathering that the celebration of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival started in the year 1978 to protect and preserve the culture and customs of the A’chik people.
Reminding that the festival is being organised for the second time at the Wangala Adam, he urged organisers to continue to take steps to make improvements in the future so that the festival attracts tourists not only from across the country but globally.
Marak also assured that the GHADC will assist organisers in whatever possible way for future events.
Meanwhile, events lined up for the second day include traditional games like tug of war, Ajia-Doroa competition, Rugala, chachat So’a, Dani Doka and the 100 Drums Wangala (First Round).
Selsella MLA, FCA Sangma, is expected to attend Friday’s event as the chief guest.
