Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 440/22

46TH HUNDRED DRUMS WANGALA FESTIVAL BEGINS

The Annual 100 Hundred Drums Wangala Festival began with the Indigenous Games and Handloom and Handicrafts Exhibition where local products produce by local artisans including entrepreneurs of the region is being simultaneously organised during this three day Wangala festival at Wangala A dam, Chibragre, West Garo Hills from 10th to 12th November, 2022.

The Chief Executive Member, Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Tura Albinush R Marak inaugurated the Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition in the presence of Members of GHADC, Linekar K Sangma Executive Member, Transport and Printing and Stationery, Nathwal S Marak, Executive Member, Civil Works, Winison Ch Marak, Chief Adviser to the CEM, Joint Secretary Peter R Marak, Chairman, Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, Ronald Rikman Ch Sangma, Members of Nokma Council, and other dignitaries.

Expressing his appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Wangala Committee, he said that organizing this festival for the 46th time is a challenging task but the committee members have organized it successfully till today with their dedication and determination. Stating that the ritual or thanksgiving ceremony after the harvest season which has been practiced by our forefathers from time immemorial needs to be preserved so that the culture, traditions and identity of our forefathers will remain intact with our roots. He further urged everyone including the wangala committee members to preserve it for the future generations.

Stating that the festival is being organized here at the permanent site for the second time, the Chairman, Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, Ronald Rikman Sangma said that the celebration of the festival at the site is still at the initial stage and a lot more to work upon in the days to come. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride for every Garos since the festival can be celebrated with a view to preserve and showcase the rich culture and traditions of the Garos. Narrating the rituals of the festival, he said that these traditions are unique and should be preserved for our future generations. He also expressed his gratitude to the Central and State Government for their financial assistance for organizing this festival.

It may be mentioned that the Wangala is the most significant post harvest festival of the Garos generally held in the second week of November every year. It is a Thanksgiving ceremony to Misi Saljong also known as Pattigipa Ra rongipa for having blessed the people with the rich harvest of the season. The Hundred Drums Wangala festival which was started in the year 1976 at Asanang, the Headquarters of Rongram Development Block near Tura has grown over the years under the patronage of the Government of Meghalaya and nurtured by the Festival organization. Members of the Nagaland Garo Tribal Council and President of Garo Students Union Nagaland Zone also attended the Wangala festival.

On the first day of the festival, Indigenous Games and Sports like Wa pong sika, Jakpong Pe a, An ding O ka, Rongma Chilsusa a for women, Rongma Desusa a for men, were organised. Another added attraction to this years festival are the wangala dance performed by students of Tura Government College, Patriotic Song and Wangala dance performance by students of North Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus on the first day of the festival.

In the Tug of War competition, five times defending champion from Rongkhon team emerged the winner while the team from Gondenggre bagged the Runners Up. The winners were awarded with a Trophy, Certificate and Cash prizes. Folk song competitions, Rugala, Chachat So a, and Rhythm of 100 Drums will be held in the following days.

Press Release No. 441/22

PERFECT OPENING CEREMONY SETS THE TONE FOR NORTH EAST OLYMPIC GAMES 2022

Meghalaya set the perfect tone for the start of the 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 with a flawless opening ceremony at the SAI Training Centre here today, to the collective awe of thousands of homegrown and visiting athletes and dignitaries. Welcoming those present was an arch gate that was a representation of Meghalaya world famous living root bridges. The Olympic torch was also tastefully crafted in the traditional style using local materials.

The athletes performed the march past, oath taking led by Meghalaya karateka Wandahunshisha Mawblei and witnessed the lighting of the flame, all of which are traditions of such sporting events, and, for their entertainment, there was a lineup of artistic acts, including the performance of the Games official anthem Play by Summersalt and other artists from the North East, musical performances by Tarari Choir, Pynter Orchestra and Lamphang Syiemlieh and Ensemble, fireworks display, laser show, a song and dance performance that was a cultural extravaganza, and stunning drone show.

A galaxy of dignitaries from around the North East were present on the occasion, including cabinet ministers, legislators, senior officials, representatives of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and North East Olympic Association, and star athlete, the Dhing Express Hima Das. The emcee was noted television presenter and actor Mandira Bedi who said it was an honour and privilege to be part of the grand event. The Olympic torch was handed over to the Honourable Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma by star Meghalaya runner Marso Kyndait. The CM placed it on the pedestal where it will remain for the rest of the Games.

In his speech, Shri Sangma said, Meghalaya is celebrating 50 years of statehood and to mark this we have to celebrate the youth. We were firm to host the North East Olympic Games in Shillong in this very special year. We have always believed that the youth are the greatest strength of the nation. We have to help them channel their energy in positive ways and hence we wanted to this the North East Olympic Games. Sports is not only about results but the personality that develops, like how to learn from a loss, improving and playing fair.

The Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Shri Banteidor Lyngdoh, warmly welcomed all the 3000 athletes and other visitors. Volunteers and stakeholders have worked very hard in getting everything ready. Sports are an integral part of the journey of a human being and also helps the people stay fit and active, he added.

MSOA Working President Shri John F Kharshiing said, We have used this opportunity to create new infrastructure and facilities for the smooth and comfortable experience for the athletes. We are grateful to the state government for bringing a paradigm shift in its approach to sports development. NEOA President Shri Th Radheshyam, said that the whole purpose of the NEOG, which was launched in 2018, is to give a foundation for the youths. We want to build on the aspirations for our children and help them accomplish their full potential. Our youths should have the best environment to build themselves up, he said. Meghalaya has a remarkable way of doing things. The love and affection shown to everyone has been amazing, he added.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Chief Secretary, Shri Donald P Wahlang, who said that the athletes are carrying the hopes and dreams of their states.