ELEANOR SANGMA
CHIBRAGRE:
The 46th 100 Drums Wangala Festival kicked off on Thursday, to the tune of the traditional Dama and cheers from the crowd that had gathered at Wangala A.dam, Chibragre.
The crowd was welcomed by Ronald Rikman Sangma, Chairman, Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, who reiterated the importance of preserving culture and traditions. Special patriotic performances were showcased by the students of Tura Government College and NEHU.
In attendance was the Chief Guest for the day, Albinush R Marak, CEM, GHADC. In his speech, Marak also spoke about the need to preserve and promote Garo culture. He maintained that if there’s less interest and investment in learning about one’s own culture and traditions, we might face a future where we wouldlose all of it.
The A.dam was painted red, yellow and blue with the beautiful attires of the ten dancing troupes who showcased their expertise with the Rhythm of the 100 Drums. The troupes are set to compete with one another in the coming days of the Wangala festival.
Various food stalls, wooden crafts and traditional clothing stalls lined the handloom and handicrafts exhibition, which had been inaugurated early on in the day by the Chief Guest.
After lunch, the crowd witnessed the commencement of the various indigenous games such as Wa.pong sika, Jakpong pe.a, amongst others.
The next two days of the fest will include the Rugala ceremony and Sasat So.a, which are two of the most important rituals of Wangala.
GAROS OF NAGALAND DROP IN TO LEARN
Amidst the crowd gathered on the first day, Garos who call Nagaland their home were also in attendance.
Benjamin D Sangma, President, Garo Students Union, Nagaland Zone told The Meghalayan, “The reason why we have come here is because, if we don’t learn about our own traditional attires, rituals, practices and culture, that knowledge will fade away with the next generation.”
The Nagaland Garo Tribal Council is the apex body of Garos of Nagaland, representing the Garo community of the state. Cliff Sangma, Joint Secretary of the Council says it was started by their forefathers, but the nomenclature has changed over time. Previously, it was known as Nagaland Garo Union. Sangma stated, “The motive behind this Council is to preserve our culture and traditions. We want our younger generations to carry forward the legacy that has been left by our forefathers. We’re standing strong, although we still have to learn many things about our culture.”
They organise Wangala festival each year. This year, the state government has allotted two days to celebrate the festival, on November 21 and 22. This provides an opportunity for
all the Garo villages from different corners of Nagaland to come together and celebrate it.
They perform indigenous dance along with games and folksongs.
“Actually, people hardly know the meaning of culture, they are forgetting. So, during the fest, they get to witness their own culture and gain more understanding. We also encourage the ladies to wear Dakmanda for our social gatherings,” Sangma adds.
He feels there is not much difference between the Garo culture in Garo Hills and in Nagaland. “I do think the culture that is being preserved here in Meghalaya is the original, and the one we’re trying to preserve in Nagaland might be a replica. But one day, we’re hoping to reach a level of authenticity that is observed here. It might not be up to the mark, but we’re trying our level best.”
Benjamin D Sangma stated, “The population of Garos back there is not much, but we want those in Garo Hills to remember us as their own brothers. We don’t have much knowledge, but we would like to ask the Garos of Meghalaya to help us, support us and teach us if there’s a need for that in the future.” He added that all Garos are welcome to go and explore their side of the world anytime.