Wangala to take place on November 13 and 14

TURA:

The Hundred Drums Wangala Festival will be held on November 13 and 14, albeit in a more watered down manner because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival which has been held for over 40 years in Asanang village, will now move to Chibragre, a tourist spot about 5 kilometres away.

The organising committee also stated that the number of troupes would be reduced to around 3 or 4 according to COVID-19 protocols.

“This year will be just to ensure traditions are respected and continued, and the numbers will be reduced to ensure protocols for the pandemic can be maintained,” said a member of the organising committee, F.K. Marak.

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According to the committee, hand sanitizers would be available at the venue and the entry points.

The committee also informed that they were in talks with the Speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly for his presence as the chief guest for this year’s event.

“Wangala is the most important post-harvest festival of the Garo tribe. Unfortunately, with the pandemic still very far from getting over, we will go through a truncated version of the festival. Hopefully, things will get better,” added Marak.

The committee added that this year’s programme would concentrate on observing tradition and the carrying out of rituals.

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