Assam CM Celebrates Wangala Festival in Meghalaya
Celebration of Wangala Festival
Chief Minister Sarma tries his hand at the dama, the traditional drum, at Wangala Festival, on Thursday. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Nov 12: On Thursday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in the second day of the Wangala Festival, taking place near Chibragre village in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district.
He joined the Garo community in their four-day post-harvest thanksgiving celebration, enjoying the traditional 'Hundred Drums' dance along with various cultural performances.
Sarma conveyed his best wishes to the Garo people, expressing that the festival allowed him to experience the rich traditions and customs of the region.
"I took part in this lively festival in Garo Hills and was able to witness a blend of their cultural practices," Sarma remarked.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining a friendly relationship between Assam and Meghalaya, stating, "As neighboring states, we should always foster a cordial and amicable bond."
During the festival, Sarma also tried playing the dama, a traditional drum, as various Wangala troupes from across the Northeast and beyond gathered at the venue.
"This is my first experience with this, and it’s truly amazing," he shared.
The festival, known as the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival, is expected to feature an even larger ensemble, with plans to include up to 1,000 drums.
Troupes from Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, and other northeastern states are gearing up for the event.
Preparations are in full swing at the venue to welcome cultural groups and visitors from various regions of the country and abroad.
Meghalaya's Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar will be the chief guest for the celebrations on November 13.
Highlights for the day include traditional Chachat So’a ceremonies, folk songs, a performance by a children's Wangala troupe, and the grand 1,000-drums program.
Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will serve as the chief guest at the closing ceremony on November 14.
On the final day, there will be a special attempt to set a Guinness World Record, followed by prize distributions and performances by various artists.