Chibragre, Nov 14: The Hundred Drums Wangala Festival has written itself into the record books. At the close of its 50th edition, today, the festival earned a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Wangala Dance. The Golden Jubilee celebration concluded at Garo Heritage Village, Wangala A·dam, in Chibragre.
More than 1,000 traditional Dama players performed together in the Rhythm of Thousand Drums, joined by women dancers and warriors. A special Wangala performance for the record attempt followed. Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Williams Stenning of the United Kingdom announced the record at the venue. A 12-member team from Garo Hills also took part in judging the event.
The Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, thanked the Union Minister, the organisers and the performers. He recalled that the festival began in 1976 with 20 drums and grew to 100, and has now reached 1,000 at its Golden Jubilee. He said this fulfils the vision of the late P. A. Sangma.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. He congratulated the community on behalf of the Prime Minister and the people of India. He described Wangala as an expression of gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. He also pointed to the potential of Wangala and the Garo Hills for cultural tourism and for livelihoods for local youth. He said the Centre is willing to support the state in promoting the region as a cultural tourism destination.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Power Minister T. D. Shira and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul M. Sangma attended as Guests of Honour, along with other dignitaries. The Deputy Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition congratulated the community for preserving the festival over five decades.
Ten contingents competed in the day’s dance competition.
Winner: Chidaogre, with a trophy and Rs 2 lakh
First runner-up: Gondenggre, with a trophy and Rs 1.5 lakh
Second runner-up: Sadolbra, with a trophy and Rs 1 lakh
All participating contingents received consolation prizes.
The state government provided Rs 20 crore through the Public Works Department to develop the Wangala A·dam venue. It also provided Rs 6 crore to organise this year’s festival. Of that amount, Rs 36.65 lakh was sanctioned for the application, adjudication process and logistics of the Guinness World Records title.
The West Garo Hills District Administration thanked the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee for its sustained effort in organising the Golden Jubilee edition and mobilising the drummers, dancers and contingents. It also thanked the Government of Meghalaya and the Department of Tourism for their full support and funding. The administration acknowledged the drummers, dancers, village contingents, Nokmas, line departments, police and security personnel, volunteers and the people of West Garo Hills. It said their cooperation ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the festival.
