49th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival ends
From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 8: Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira on Saturday said that the Wangala Festival has grown beyond traditional and religious boundaries, finding its place in mainstream cultural events across the Garo Hills and beyond.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 49th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival 2025 at Garo Heritage Village and Wangala A.dam, Chibragre, West Garo Hills, Shira reflected on the journey of the iconic festival, which drew thousands of visitors this year in a grand celebration of Garo identity, unity and rhythm.
Shira, who was the chief guest on the occasion, expressed gratitude to the Almighty and recalled the efforts of Meghalaya’s founding leaders in reviving and institutionalising the state’s cultural heritage.
He recounted that in his younger days, people from hilly regions also observed the Wangala ceremony, but due to the absence of roads and the dangers of wild animals, he was unable to witness it firsthand. With the formation of Meghalaya as a separate state, he said, “Our leaders thought deeply about safeguarding our culture, rituals and traditions, and in 1976, under the leadership of our first Chief Minister, Captain Williamson A. Sangma, the first Hundred Drums Wangala Festival was organised here in Asanang.”
He expressed deep gratitude to the late Captain Williamson Sangma and Sendfort K. Marak, the then Minister of Arts and Culture, for their vision and contribution in institutionalising the Wangala Festival, which now proudly celebrates its 49th edition.
Shira said the Wangala Festival has grown beyond traditional and religious boundaries over the years, finding its place in mainstream cultural events across the Garo Hills—even among Christian populations and in the plains.
“Today, Wangala has become a part of our collective cultural expression,” he said, adding that the festival’s rhythms and dances are now seen at various programmes across the region.
Sharing personal anecdotes, the chief guest recalled his early experiences with the festival.
In 2005, after being elected as MLA from Resubelpara, he had organised a Wangala Festival there where he awarded prizes to the best performing contingent. “Later,” he narrated humorously, “someone complained that the winning team did not deserve the award because their drumbeats were off rhythm. At that time, I did not know much about Wangala and decided to observe and learn it myself.”
He went on to share how a few years later, when a Garo Minister from Bangladesh visited Dalu, he witnessed a captivating Wangala performance by local villagers that deeply impressed him.
Similarly, during a visit to Byrnihat in 2009 as chief guest, he noticed that the performers were not following the proper steps and rhythms of Wangala. “I took the opportunity to advise them to bring someone who truly knows the dance and culture to teach them,” he added, underlining the importance of performing Wangala correctly to preserve its authenticity.
Expressing his happiness at the way the festival has evolved, Shira said, “I am proud to see our culture and traditions being showcased widely and appreciated by people from all over the country and even abroad. We must continue to promote and refine this festival, making it bigger and better each year.”
Touching upon tourism, he highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to develop tourist destinations and cultural heritage spots across the region. He also suggested that evening cultural shows could be regularly hosted at the Garo Heritage Village in Chibagre so that visiting tourists can experience the spirit of Wangala even beyond the main festival days.
The final day of the festival was marked by colourful performances, traditional ceremonies and inspiring addresses from dignitaries.
Shira was joined by Border Areas Development Minister Brening A. Sangma, Arts & Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai and Assistant Director of the Ministry of Tourism, VS Kumaran.
Earlier, the programme began with a presentation of mementoes and the rendition of the Wangala theme song, Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong.
Chairman of the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee Ronald Rikman Sangma, in his address, expressed gratitude to supporters and emphasised the festival’s role in fostering unity, cultural pride and tourism.
The day’s highlights included the Chachat So∙a ceremony symbolising thanksgiving to Misi Saljong, the Sun God, followed by a spirited dance competition among ten contingents and the much-awaited Rhythm of Hundred Drums performance.
Opposition Leader Dr Mukul Sangma, along with All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) MDCs, also joined the festivities later in the afternoon.
In the Wangala dance competition, the Chidaogre contingent bagged the first prize, followed by Gondenggre (1st runner-up) and Sadolbra (2nd runner-up). The evening concluded with a musical concert featuring renowned artists from within and outside Meghalaya.
The 49th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival once again stood as a proud testament to the Garo community’s unity, identity and cultural vibrancy—setting the stage for next year’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
