Tura, Nov 14: From 20 drums to 1,000 drums. From a village festival to a world record.
The 50th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival made history on Saturday at Wangala A·dam, Chibragre, as over 1,000 Dama players beat in unison to clinch the Guinness World Records title for the Largest Wangala Dance.
The Rhythm of Thousand Drums shook the Garo Heritage Village as women dancers and warriors joined the drummers for the record attempt, witnessed by thousands.
Guinness adjudicator Richard Williams Stenning from the United Kingdom announced the record on the spot, sealing the Golden Jubilee in glory.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who attended as Chief Guest, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Prime Minister and the people of India. He called Wangala a celebration of gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest and said Garo Hills has immense potential as a cultural tourism destination.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the journey from 20 drums in 1976 to 1,000 drums in 2026 fulfilled the vision of late P.A. Sangma.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Power Minister T.D. Shira and Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul M. Sangma also joined the celebration.
In the dance competition among ten contingents, Chidaogre bagged the top prize of Rs 2 lakh, Gondenggre took Rs 1.5 lakh as first runner-up, and Sadolbra took Rs 1 lakh as second runner-up.
The State Government had provided Rs 20 crore for development of the Wangala A·dam venue and Rs 6 crore for this year’s festival, including Rs 36.65 lakh for the Guinness record attempt.
