TURA, November 15: Meghalaya’s iconic 100 Drums Wangala Festival has entered the Guinness World Records with a historic performance featuring 1,000 traditional Dama players and dancers, marking a major milestone during the festival’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The record was achieved on Saturday at Wangala A·dam in Chibragre, near Tura, where members of the Garo community came together to showcase their traditional music and dance. The performance was recognised in the Largest Wangala Dance category, with the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, India, credited for the achievement.
The historic moment came on the fourth day of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the festival, which has become one of the most significant cultural events of the Garo community.
Wangala Festival Completes 50 Years
The 100 Drums Wangala Festival began in 1976 with a relatively small number of traditional drums. Over the decades, it gradually evolved into a major cultural gathering representing the identity and heritage of the Garo people.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the festival had grown significantly since its inception.
Recalling the vision of his late father and former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, the Chief Minister said he had envisioned celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary with 1,000 drums. That vision was finally realised during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Conrad Sangma thanked the Union Minister, organisers, performers and members of the community for making the celebrations a success.
Union Minister Highlights Cultural and Tourism Potential
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the fourth day of the celebrations as the chief guest.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Power Minister T D Shira and Leader of Opposition Mukul M Sangma were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Shekhawat congratulated the Garo community on completing 50 years of the festival. He also conveyed greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.
The Union Minister described Wangala as more than a traditional harvest festival, highlighting its message of gratitude towards nature and Mother Earth for a bountiful harvest.
He said indigenous traditions such as Wangala offered important lessons on living in harmony with nature, particularly at a time when the world was facing challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation.
Shekhawat also acknowledged the contributions of generations of elders, artists, organisers and community members who had worked to preserve the festival.
Garo Hills Could Emerge as a Cultural Tourism Destination
Highlighting the tourism potential of the Garo Hills, Shekhawat said Wangala could become an important cultural tourism attraction in Northeast India.
He noted that promoting the festival could create opportunities for local youth in tourism, hospitality, handicrafts and entrepreneurship.
Drawing a comparison with Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, the Union Minister said Wangala had the potential to gain greater national and international recognition.
He also expressed the Centre’s willingness to support the Meghalaya government in promoting the region as a cultural tourism destination.
Chidaogre Wins Wangala Dance Competition
The Golden Jubilee celebrations also featured the ‘Rhythm of Thousand Drums’ programme and a dance competition involving ten contingents of the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival.
Chidaogre secured the first position and received a trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Gondenggre finished as the first runner-up, receiving Rs 1.5 lakh, while Sadolbra secured the second runner-up position with a prize of Rs 1 lakh.
The organising committee also presented consolation prizes to the remaining participating contingents.
A Major Recognition for Garo Cultural Heritage
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar congratulated the Garo community for preserving and promoting Wangala over the past five decades. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.
Leader of Opposition Mukul M Sangma also described the Golden Jubilee as a significant occasion for the Garo community. He paid tribute to the elders and visionaries who had initiated the festival.
Wangala is an important harvest festival of the Garo community, celebrated to express gratitude to nature for a successful harvest. Its traditional music, rhythmic Dama drums and vibrant dance performances are central to the celebrations.
The Guinness World Records recognition during its Golden Jubilee marks a new chapter in the festival’s 50-year journey, bringing greater international attention to Meghalaya’s indigenous cultural heritage.
