Meghalaya: 50th Wangala Festival enters second day with 1,000 drummers
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurated the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Wangala A’dam in West Garo Hills.
The 50th Wangala Festival entered its second day on November 12 in Tura, Meghalaya. The Golden Jubilee celebrations were inaugurated on November 11 by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at Wangala A’dam, Garo Heritage Village, Chibagre, in West Garo Hills.
According to ANI, the festival has expanded from its traditional 100 drums to a presentation featuring 1,000 drummers and 3,000 dancers. The Chief Minister stated that the scale of the event fulfills the vision of the late P.A. Sangma.
The Chief Minister said the government provided Rs 20 crore through the Public Works Department for developing the Wangala A’dam venue and an additional Rs 6 crore for organising this year's festival. He also noted that funds were sanctioned for an attempt to enter the Guinness World Records.
The post-harvest thanksgiving festival is celebrated in honour of the sun god Misi Saljong. The four-day programme, held from November 11 to 14, 2026, follows the theme 'Rhythm of 1,000 Drums'.
The celebrations included the 'Chandal Goa' ritual and the release of a souvenir titled Chirongdik, according to The Assam Tribune. The event also features folk-song competitions, indigenous games, and an exhibition of handloom and handicrafts.