Shillong: The 1000 Drums Wangala Festival began on Wednesday at Wangala A’dam at Chibagre in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills with indigenous music and dance performances celebrating the heritage and identity of the A’chik, or Garo, community.CM Conrad K Sangma said the festival’s “Rhythm of One Thousand Drums” performance was a special tribute to the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Wangala A’dam, the Garo heritage village in Chibagre.“The Wangala dance came alive with the thunderous rhythm of 1,000 drums. The beating of the drums is the heartbeat of A’chik culture, reflecting the rich traditions, identity and spirit of our people,” Sangma said.The CM said the govt had sanctioned Rs 6.26 crore for this year’s celebrations.“We are also committed to preserving A’chik history, language, oral traditions, music, dance and indigenous knowledge through research, documentation and dedicated cultural infrastructure,” he said.The traditional Chandal Goa ceremony, followed by the release of the festival souvenir magazine Chirongdik by Sangma and others, marked the inauguration. The festival’s theme song is “Dimdim Dimchong Dachichong”.The celebrations will continue with tribal cuisine, traditional performances, competitions, indigenous games and cultural presentations. The main celebration of the 1000 Drums Wangala Festival 2026 is scheduled for Nov 13.
