Wangala festival reflects Garo community's gratitude to nature, says Himanta Biswa Sarma
The Assam Chief Minister attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the 1,000 Drums Wangala Festival in Tura.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday described the 1,000 Drums Wangala Festival as an expression of the Garo community's indigenous heritage and gratitude to nature. He attended the second day of the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Wangala A’dam in Chibragre as the chief guest, according to The Shillong Times.
Sarma noted that the festival celebrates the community's traditions and its relationship with agriculture. He recalled that the event began in 1975 at Chandmary Playground in Tura with 10 drums through the initiative of P.A. Sangma.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Captain Williamson A. Sangma later suggested increasing the drum count to 1,000.
The Chief Minister acknowledged Hubert Koksi Sangma and Prabir Raksham for their roles in developing the festival. He said the current Golden Jubilee features 1,000 drums and 2,000 dancers, and expressed happiness regarding the possibility of the festival achieving a world record.
Sarma stated that the traditional offering of rice and rice brew symbolises humility. He added that the festival carries a message of respecting forests, rivers, and agricultural land. He also urged the youth to embrace modern education while maintaining pride in their mother tongue and cultural identity.
The Assam Chief Minister congratulated Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the organising committee. He welcomed Garo contingents from Assam's Goalpara and Karbi Anglong districts to the event. Meghalaya Minister Timothy D Shira attended as the guest of honour.