More than 1,000 drummers and 3,000 dancers performed at the Garo Heritage Village to secure the record.
The Hundred Drums Wangala Festival has entered the Guinness World Records after a massive performance in West Garo Hills on Saturday. According to reports from The Sentinel, NENow and Deccan Herald, the record was set during the festival's golden jubilee celebrations at the Garo Heritage Village in Chibragre.
The achievement involved 1,000 traditional drummers and between 3,000 and 3,500 dancers. Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Williams Stenning from the United Kingdom officially announced the record at the venue, assisted by a 12-member team from Garo Hills.
The event fulfilled a vision of the late former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A. Sangma to reach a 1,000-drum milestone. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma noted that the performance met his father's ambition during this 50th edition.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the closing ceremony as chief guest. He stated that the festival has potential for cultural tourism and livelihood opportunities for local youth, promising central support to promote Garo Hills.
The festival, which began in 1976, included a dance competition where Chidaogre won the first prize of Rs 2 lakh. The Meghalaya government provided Rs 6 crore for organising this year's event, including Rs 36.65 lakh for the Guinness World Records application and adjudication.
