Shillong: The Meghalaya government is preparing for an expanded celebration of the Wangala Festival this year to honor its Golden Jubilee. Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira announced that the traditional 100 Drums event will feature 1,000 drums, marking one of the largest festivals ever organized for the Garo community.
The state is simultaneously upgrading tourism infrastructure in the Garo Hills to accommodate an expected surge in visitors. Officials have sanctioned several projects to improve the region, including site developments at Jengjal, Nokasikom, Jadonggre, and Rongbangdare. Shira acknowledged that connectivity remains a hurdle for many tourists but expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructure works will improve accessibility.
Part of the strategy involves expanding the airport at Jengjal. Shira noted that while work is underway, "land acquisition and compensation issues are still being addressed." The Wangala harvest festival annually attracts visitors from across the country, and the government aims to present Garo culture and traditions on an unprecedented scale for this milestone year.
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