Himanta Biswa Sarma Joins Wangala Golden Jubilee in Tura
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the 50th anniversary of the Garo community's Wangala Festival in Tura, witnessing a massive 1,000-drum performance.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently traveled to Tura, Meghalaya, to participate in a historic cultural milestone. As the Chief Guest, he attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Garo community’s Wangala Festival at the Garo Heritage Village in the West Garo Hills district.
The Wangala Festival, often celebrated as the ‘100 Drums Festival,’ is the most significant harvest festival for the Garo people. It is a time of profound gratitude to the Almighty for a bountiful harvest. This 50th-anniversary edition was a breathtaking spectacle, featuring 2,000 dancers and an incredible performance by Garo artists using 1,000 drums.
A Legacy of Tradition and Nature
During his visit, Sarma expressed his immense happiness at witnessing such a grand display of indigenous spirit. He praised the community's traditional customs, including their unique method of brewing rice beer, and noted how the festival beautifully illustrates the deep bond between humanity and the natural world.
Reflecting on the festival's history, Sarma shared that the formal celebrations began in 1975 at Tura’s Chandmari Playground with only 10 drums. It was through the vision of leaders like the then Meghalaya Chief Minister, Captain Williamson A Sangma, that the event expanded to 100 drums, eventually evolving into the massive celebration seen today.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous wisdom. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tribal heritage has gained renewed recognition. He encouraged the younger generation to embrace modern technology and education while staying firmly rooted in their languages, traditions, and cultural identities.