As Meghalaya prepares to celebrate the 50th edition of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival, excitement is building for performances by child stars Jetshen Dohna of SaReGaMa fame and Binita Chetry from Britain’s Got Talent. The milestone event will be held from November 6 to 8 at Wangala A’dam, Chibragre, West Garo Hills, highlighting five decades of tradition, rhythm, and community gratitude. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will inaugurate the three-day festival as Chief Guest, joined by several Union Ministers and distinguished personalities. The Wangala Festival, a post-harvest thanksgiving ceremony honoring Misi Saljong—the revered “Great Giver”—showcases Garo heritage through music, dance, and rituals. This year’s celebration will feature over 300 drummers and 3,000 dancers across ten contingents from different parts of the Garo Hills.
In addition to traditional performances, the festival will host indigenous sports, folk song competitions, exhibitions of oral traditions, and displays of local cuisine. The festivities will culminate with the grand Rugala and Chachat So’a rituals. Rikman Sangma, Chairman of the Festival Committee, highlighted the event’s growing national and international appeal, while emphasizing the need for greater financial and media support to sustain its prominence. “Wangala is not only a cultural celebration but a reflection of the unity, resilience, and living spirit of the Garo people,” he said.
Adding to the excitement, Chonseng Sangma, Executive Member of the Nokma Council, revealed performances by artists from Bangladesh alongside Jetshen and Binita, promising an expanded and diverse program. Looking ahead, the 2026 edition aims to feature 1,000 drummers and 3,000 dancers, celebrating the enduring cultural rhythm of the Garo community. As the beats of the dama fill the hills, the 100 Drums Wangala Festival continues to stand as one of Northeast India’s most vibrant cultural celebrations, bridging tradition and modernity while uniting communities across the region.