Shillong: The 100 Drums Wangala Festival Committee held a press conference at Wangala Adam in Chibragre near Tura on November 4. The group finalized plans for the upcoming 1000 Drums Wangala Festival. The event kicks off on November 11. This year marks the festival's Golden Jubilee.
Committee Chairman Ronald Rikman Sangma confirmed that multiple high-profile leaders will attend the milestone celebration. Expected guests include Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar. Sangma noted that hectic preparations are underway.
The cultural lineup features 12 troupes from A'chik sub-tribes. Performers are also arriving from Tripura, Nagaland, and Assam. Specifically, 10 troupes represent Kamrup and Goalpara, while one comes from Karbi Anglong. Visitors can browse 300 shops selling traditional A'chik clothing and ornaments.
Traffic will be tight. Officials cannot park every vehicle at the venue, so locals are opening their backyards for paid parking. Sangma stated, "local people would be arranging parking spaces in their own backyards in return for a nominal fee." Organizers will also use 30 light vehicles to shuttle attendees from the ISBT and Goeragre to the festival grounds.
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