Wangala festival begins in Meghalaya with thousand drums performance
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma attended the commencement of the post-harvest thanksgiving festival in West Garo Hills district.
The Wangala Festival 2026 started on Wednesday at Wangala A’dam in Chibagre village of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, according to The Assam Tribune.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma attended the opening event as the chief guest, alongside MLA Mehtab Chandee A Sangma.
The three-day cultural event aims to showcase the traditions and identity of the A’chik (Garo) community.
The celebrations opened with the 'Chandal Goa' ritual and the release of a souvenir named Chirongdik.
Dr Imnanungshi Imsong, Principal of Harding Theological College, offered prayers for the festival, which is a post-harvest thanksgiving event.
The programme included a performance of the theme song, 'Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong', by the family of the late composer Millickson K Marak.
Chief Minister Sangma spoke about the necessity of protecting indigenous heritage and cultural identity for future generations.
Other activities included a handloom and handicrafts exhibition and an exhibition dance by a troupe from Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
The day also featured the 'Rhythm of One Thousand Drums' performance and the 'Mese Cha’a' ritual.