Guwahati: On November 10, the 46th 100-Drums Wangala Festival 2022 is scheduled to start at Wangala A.dam Chibragre near Tura.
The Hundred Drums Wangala Event Committee is in charge of planning the three-day post-harvest festival. The festival has participation from more than ten dancing contingents from the Garo Hills.
The Wangala Festival, which honours the Sun god Saljong, signifies the conclusion of a trying time. The Festival also also signifies the onset of winter.
The indigenous Garo tribes genuinely hold a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of the god for a bountiful and abundant harvest following the end of the planting seasons.
The rites and celebration last for three to four days during the actual Wangala ceremony, which is still practised by the "songsareks" in some areas of the Garo Hills and in neighbouring Bangladesh.
People participate in the event by donning colourful traditional clothing and feathered headpieces, and they dance to the beat of the "Dama," a long, oval-shaped traditional Garo drum.
The 100-Drums Wangala Festival is organised in view of preserving, protecting and promoting the cultural identity of Garos in Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, preparations are going on in full swing in Wangala A.dam, for hosting the event for the second consecutive time after the venue of the festival was shifted from Asananggre to Wangala A.dam two years back.
The organisers anticipate more attendees this year due to the removal of all COVID-related limitations.
Also, to relieve traffic and ensure smooth vehicular movements, the organisers have this time developed distinct entry and departure routes in active coordination with the district administration and Tura Police.
A host of luminaries are expected to attend the festival, including Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul M. Sangma, and GHADC Chief Executive Member Albinush Marak.
Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin is anticipated to attend the festival's last day, said the HDWFC Chairman Ronald Rikman Sangma, who has been personally overseeing all the preparations.
A special song by the Nagaland Garo Tribal Council, songs and dances performed by students from NEHU and Tura Government College, and traditional games will all be featured on the first day in addition to the customary participation of 10 contesting contingents.
By presenting the deity with special "bitchi," or rice beer, a ritual known as "rugala" will be carried out on the second day. The priest will perform "Sasat So.a," or the burning of incense, on the last day.
The folk song competition and handloom and handicraft exhibition are two other highlights of the three-day gala event.
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