Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 185/23

47TH HUNDRED DRUMS WANGALA FESTIVAL

The Annual Hundred Drums Wangala Festival began with the inauguration of the Handloom and Handicrafts Exhibition where local, handmade products crafted by local artisans including various food items made by entrepreneurs of the region is being simultaneously organised during this three-day Wangala festival at Jengjal, West Garo Hills from 9th to 11th November 2023.

The Chief Executive Member (CEM), Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Tura Albinush R Marak inaugurated the Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition where the Members of GHADC, Nikman Ch Marak, Deputy CEM, Nathwal S Marak, Executive Member, Civil Works, Heninson R Marak, Executive Member, Tourism, Joint Secretary Peter R Marak, Chairman, Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee (HDWFC), Ronald Rikman Ch Sangma, Secretary, HDWFC, Salgira A Sangma, District Officials, BSF Commandant, Members of Nokma Council, and other dignitaries attended the function.

While addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Albinush R Marak expressed his appreciation and gratitude to our forefathers and the members of the Wangala Committee for successfully organizing this festival every year inspite of facing various constraints. Informing about the importance of the culture and traditions of the society, he said that the rich culture and traditions of the Garos should be preserved to uphold our identity in near future. He further urged everyone including the Wangala Committee members to continue preserving this tradition for our future generations. Urging everyone to protect and safeguard our traditions, he said that a museum showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Garos should be displayed at the permanent Wangala site in future at Chibragre and also extended his full support and cooperation to work for the welfare of the society in future.

In his speech, the Chairman, Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, Ronald Rikman Sangma informed that due to the construction of dam at Chibragre the entry route has been completely submerged and the celebration of the festival had to be relocated to Jengjal and expressed hope that soon the festival will be held at the permanent site at Wangala A'dam, Chibragre once the construction of the bridge completes. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride for everyone since the festival can be celebrated every year 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 in nature and should be preserved for our future generations. He also expressed his gratitude to both Central and State Government, District Administration, West Garo Hills, GHADC and other sponsors including State Bank of India, Transport, Tourism departments, etc, for their financial assistance, etc in 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 (The Great Giver) for having blessed the people with 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.

On the first day of the festival, Indigenous Games and Sports like Wa pong sika, Jakpong Pe a, An ding Oka, Rongma Chilsusa a for women, Rongma Desusa a for men, were organised. In the Tug of War competition, Mitela Group emerge winner by defeating the six times defending champion from Rongkhon and Rongkhon team bagged the Runners Up trophy.  The winners were awarded with a Trophy, Certificate and Cash prizes. Moreover, the students of Tura Government College and Garo Cultural Forum, Assam also presented a special Wangala dance on the first day of the festival. Folk song competition, Rugala ceremony, Chachat So a, and Rhythm of 100 Drums will be held on the following days.

Press Release No. 186/23

OBSERVATION OF LEGAL SERVICES DAY 2023 AT KONGTHONG VILLAGE

The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) in collaboration with High Court Legal Services Committee, Shillong and District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District held an observation of Legal Services Day 2023 on 9th November 2023 at Kongthong village, Khatarshnong Laitkroh C and RD Block, East Khasi Hills District. Legal Services Day is observed on 9th November every year across the country to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

Speaking on the occasion, Smti N.I Dkhar, MJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District briefly highlighted the provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. She further sensitize the people on how POCSO Act protects children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and child pornography and provide establishment of Special Courts for trial of such offences and how the Act safeguarding the interest and well being of the children.

Smti E.Garod, Legal Assistant, High Court Legal Services Committee, Shillong, in her speech she said that the observance of the Legal Services day is to spread awareness of the availability of the free legal services for the marginalized section of the society. She also emphasized on the significance of the Fundamental Rights and Duties of every citizen. If anyone experiences any violation of their fundamental rights, they can approach the District Legal Services Authority and avail free legal aid, she added.

Other notable speakers included Advocate P. Riahtam, Legal Aid Counsel, District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District who spoke on Free Legal Services including Lok Adalat and Women’s right and Shri R.Lyngdoh, Assistant Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority who briefly highlighted on the Para Legal Volunteer scheme. The programme also includes displaying of MSLSA movie and distribution of pamphlets in the market area and nearby villages.