TURA, Nov 12: The three-day Wangala Festival 2026 began at Wangala A’dam in Chibagre village in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma attending the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest.
Sangma was accompanied by his wife and MLA Mehtab Chandee A Sangma. The festival will showcase the heritage, traditions and identity of Meghalaya's A’chik (Garo) community.
The celebrations began with Chandal Goa, a sacred community ritual, followed by the release of a souvenir titled Chirongdik. Dr Imnanungshi Imsong, principal of Harding Theological College, offered prayers for the successful celebration of the post-harvest thanksgiving festival.
Ronald Rikman Sangma, chairman of the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee and Garo Heritage Village, delivered the welcome address. The programme also felicitated pioneers and former leaders of the committee for their contributions.
The festival theme song, Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong, was performed by family members of its late composer, Millickson K Marak. A Wangala troupe from Assam's Karbi Anglong district gave an exhibition dance performance.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stressed the need to preserve indigenous traditions, cultural identity and heritage for future generations.
The Rhythm of One Thousand Drums, an introductory performance featuring traditional Garo drums, was a major attraction on the opening day. A handloom and handicrafts exhibition showcasing indigenous food traditions, craftsmanship and traditional products was also inaugurated.
Preparations and rehearsals for the main Thousand Drums performance continued later in the day, followed by Mese Cha’a, another ritual associated with the agrarian festival.
