Meghalaya is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. However, it is not just the picturesque scenery that makes the state special; it is also a land rich in cultural diversity. One of the most vibrant and captivating cultural events in Meghalaya is the Wangala 100 Drums Festival happening from November 10 onwards.
What Is The Wangala 100 Drums Festival?
#DidYouKnow ?#Wangala is also called the #festival of "The Hundred Drums".
It is a harvest festival from #Meghalaya. The festivities can last from two to seven days.
Know more about it ! pic.twitter.com/Lv9qeMMjMg
— ICCR (@iccr_hq) July 25, 2023
The Wangala 100 Drums Festival is a significant cultural event that takes place in the Garo Hills region primarily in the town of Tura. It is celebrated with immense zeal and enthusiasm by the Garo community. The festival is typically held in the months of October or November, marking the end of the harvest season. It is a time when the Garo people express their gratitude to the almighty for the bountiful harvest and seek his blessings for the upcoming agricultural year.
If you’ve been thinking whether or not to visit Meghalaya, now is the time to do so. Because on November 10, you will hear the echoes of thousands of drummers thumping all throughout Meghalaya. The Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival, has arrived, and it is a sight to behold.
The Wangala 100 Drums Festival is so named because it features a mesmerizing performance by a hundred traditional drums, which is the heart and soul of the event. When it comes to the drums, the rhythmic pounding of a hundred drums is the centrepiece of Wangala. These drums, which are usually made of tree trunks, are an important component of Garo culture. There will be dancing wherever there are drums.
The breathtaking dance performance is because of the powerful and rhythmic movements. The dance along with the melodies of traditional instruments such as the bamboo flute, gongs, and, of course, the hundred drums have the ability to mesmerise and transport the audience to another realm.
Also Read: Women Of Meghalaya Continue To Preserve Their Black Pottery; Here’s Why It’s Unique
The Festival Is A Cultural Extravaganza
View the rich culture & traditions of Garo tribe during Hundred Drums Festival. #WangalaFestival #WeAreIndigenous pic.twitter.com/7P2P8Ed3Jw
— Tribal Army (@TribalArmy) November 13, 2021
The preparation for the Wangala Festival begins months in advance and involves the entire community. The production of traditional clothes and adornments is the most essential component of the celebration. Garo men and women spend weeks precisely crafting their vivid garments. You can see the community’s fine workmanship and artistic abilities at its best.
The men wear brightly coloured turbans, dhotis, and jackets with exquisite beading and traditional designs. The women dress in vivid, handwoven clothing, and ornate jewellery composed of beads and metal. These garments are essential in conserving and promoting the rich Garo heritage.
The drum performance, the centrepiece of the festival, is a sight to behold. A hundred skilled drummers, donned in their traditional attire, create a symphony of beats that reverberates throughout the Garo Hills. The audience, too, cannot help but be drawn into the rhythmic trance, and it is not uncommon to see people swaying to the music, completely immersed in the celebration.
Tourists flock to the Garo Hills during this time to witness the grandeur of the festival. The Wangala 100 Drums Festival in Meghalaya is a grand celebration of the Garo culture and heritage.
What: Wangala 100 Drums Festival
When: From November 10
Cover image credits: Flickr/Rikynti Marwein
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