Tura, Nov 6: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the 49th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival at Wangala A’dam, Chibagre, West Garo Hills, marking the beginning of the three-day celebration of Garo heritage and identity.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister hailed the Wangala Festival as a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural continuity for the Garo people. He expressed gratitude to all contingents participating from across Garo Hills, calling the event a “blessing of the Almighty” and applauded the organising committee for upholding this legacy for nearly five decades.
Sangma shared that the festival was recently featured in the November 2025 issue of IndiGo’s inflight magazine, describing it as “a moment of pride for Meghalaya.” He added, “This is not a paid feature — it’s a recognition of our culture’s uniqueness, drawing people from around the world to experience our traditions.”
Announcing infrastructure upgrades, the Chief Minister revealed that work has begun on the ₹20 crore approach road to Wangala A’dam, which will greatly improve access for visitors and performers. Looking ahead, he declared that next year’s Golden Jubilee edition will be celebrated on a grand scale, supported by a State Level Committee involving multiple departments.
“Late P.A. Sangma had envisioned the festival to grow into a 1,000 Drums Wangala,” Conrad said. “It should be our collective goal to make the 50th edition the grandest ever — a celebration that will echo across the nation.”
He further announced new initiatives under the Chief Minister’s Research Grant to promote documentation, research, and video archiving of Meghalaya’s diverse cultures and traditions. “We’ve even constituted a committee to document the journey of the Garos from Tibet and trace links with communities in Vietnam and Cambodia,” he added.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed, in his address, urged the youth to remain rooted in their cultural identity. He also highlighted Meghalaya’s green budgeting and climate resilience initiatives, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainability and long-term environmental planning.
The inaugural day also featured prayers, traditional dances, the “Hundred Drums Wangala” performance, a slow food cooking contest, indigenous games, and a handloom and handicraft exhibition. Dignitaries including MLA Mehtab Chandee Agitok Sangma, SP Abraham T. Sangma, and Dr. Ahammed were present, while the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Salgira Sangma, Secretary of the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee.
Organised by the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee (HDWFC) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the annual festival celebrates the post-harvest season through dance, music, and rituals that honour the rich legacy of the Garo people.
