HT Correspondent
Dongkamukam, Oct 15: On a pleasant Sunday afternoon, the parish priest of Satgaon, Fr. CA John, laid the foundation stone for the 27th edition of the vibrant 100 Drums Wangala Festival. The event took place at the Dinesh Sangma LP playground, located approximately 10 kilometers from Dongkamukam in West Karbi Anglong. The festival is organised by the Karbi Anglong A’chik Cultural Society.
Addressing the gathered audience, Fr. CA John expressed his hope for the festival to be a grand success and a historic one. He urged all well-wishers to help spread the message of love and brotherhood among the community through Wangala.
Wangala is the most significant festival of the Garo tribe, typically celebrated in October or November. It is a tribute to their god of abundance, ‘Misi Saljong’, whom they believe is the provider of food and drink. They traditionally offer the first fruits to this deity before consuming them.
The Wangala festival is celebrated annually from the 5th to the 7th of November, and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has designated the 7th of November as a restricted holiday.
During Sunday’s program, notable figures like KAACS President Sajendra Sangma, GS Rotne Cheran, AAGU President Martin Marak, social worker Peter Mrong Marak, and others were present to mark the occasion.