Tura, Nov 8 : A spectacular display of dance by a hundred Garo maidens to the beat of a hundred traditional drums brought the curtains down on the 49th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival 2025 on Saturday at the Garo Heritage Village and Wangala A•dam in Chibragre, West Garo Hills, drawing thousands in a vibrant celebration of Garo music, dance, and ancestral traditions, while setting the stage for next year’s landmark Golden Jubilee celebrations
Among the dignitaries present to witness this grand finale was Timothy D. Shira, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Fisheries, and Tourism, as Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Brening A. Sangma, Minister of Border Areas Development, Home (Civil Defence & Home Guards), and Excise; Sanbor Shullai, Minister of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Arts & Culture, Legal Metrology, and Printing & Stationery; and V. S. Kumaran, Assistant Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Opposition Leader Dr Mukul Sangma and Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay Sangma also participated, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.
The final day events began with presentation of mementoes to dignitaries, followed by a stirring rendition of Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong, the festival’s iconic theme song.
Chief Guest Shira delivered a poignant address, tracing Meghalaya’s cultural resurgence to its statehood in 1972. “When Meghalaya was part of Assam, there were no structured efforts to preserve our identity,” he noted. “Post-statehood, visionaries like Captain Williamson A. Sangma launched the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival in 1976 to protect our traditions.”
Crediting Captain Sangma and former Arts and Culture Minister Sanford K. Marak for formalizing the festival, Shira described its transformation from a harvest ritual into a unifying symbol for Garos worldwide, transcending religious and regional boundaries.
Drawing from personal experiences, Shira shared light-hearted anecdotes, including a 2005 Resubelpara event where a complaint about off-rhythm drums prompted him to master the dance himself. He stressed the importance of authenticity, urging performers in areas like Byrnihat and Dalu to adhere to traditional steps and beats.
Praising Wangala’s rising global profile, Shira called for annual enhancements: “We must showcase our culture to national and international audiences, making the festival grander each year.” He proposed year-round evening cultural programs at the Garo Heritage Village in Asanang to sustain tourism.
Highlights included the Chachat So∙a Ceremony, a solemn thanksgiving to the Sun-God Misi Saljong, and a lively dance competition featuring ten contingents. The crowd roared during the signature Rhythm of Hundred Drums Wangala finale.
In the competition results, Chidaogre claimed first place, with Gondenggre as 1st Runner-up and Sadolbra as 2nd Runner-up. The evening capped off with a high-energy music concert starring national artists and local talents.
