Shillong: Garo Hills kicks off its largest Wangala Festival on November 11. The four-day event takes place at Wangala Adam near Chibagre village in West Garo Hills. This year marks the golden jubilee of the post-harvest celebration. It also includes an ambitious bid for a Guinness World Record.
Crowds will swarm the venue. Organizers expect over a lakh visitors to attend the festivities. Troupes from Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, and beyond have already arrived to participate. Albert Sangma, a protocol officer, confirmed that troupes began reaching the site on November 7, following a 10-km Wangala-thon held earlier. He noted, "Cultural troupes began arriving on November 7."
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma opens the event as chief guest on November 11. The schedule features the release of the souvenir Chirongdik, prayers, and performances, including a special dance by a troupe from Karbi Anglong, Assam. Leaders of the Hundred Drums Wangala Cultural Festival Committee will receive honors.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attends on November 12 for the Ruga dance, the thousand-drums show, and the Rugala ceremony. Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar joins on November 13 for the Chachat So’a ceremony and a performance by the Kids Wangala Troupe. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat concludes the festival on November 14 with the final thousand-drums presentation and the formal Guinness record attempt.
The festival honors Misi Saljong, the Sun God. Traditional rituals like the Rugala, where the Nokma offers rice beer and food, remain vital. The golden jubilee serves as an international stage for Garo heritage, drawing researchers and tourists alike.
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