SHILLONG — Meghalaya is preparing for a larger 50th Wangala Festival, with the government planning to showcase traditional Garo costumes, instruments and ceremonial structures as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said the government is considering increasing participation to 1,000 drums, making the scale of this year’s celebration larger than usual.
“We are thinking to upgrade it up to 1,000 drum Wangala, because this is a Golden Jubilee Wangala festival,” Shira said.
The government has sanctioned ₹45 lakh for traditional costumes, which Shira said would belong to the Wangala Committee. The costumes are being prepared to reflect traditional Garo attire, with local tailors and designers already engaged for the work.
The preparations will also include the traditional implements used during the festival. Spears and swords have been ordered and are reportedly close to completion. Shira said the construction of Nokpante and Nokachik would follow older traditions, with decoration and wood carving incorporated into the structures.
The festival venue will remain at its existing location despite earlier consideration of shifting the event. Shira said the Wangala Committee strongly opposed moving it, arguing that relocation could dilute the festival’s original character.
“The originality of the Wangala will be diluted or it will be compromised,” Shira said, adding that the government had agreed to hold the Golden Jubilee celebration at the same venue.
Preparations are also underway to accommodate a larger crowd. The festival ground is being expanded, while two to three parking areas are under construction. Private parking facilities are also expected to be introduced.With a larger tourist turnout expected, Shira said accommodation would be arranged through available hotels and homestays, including options in Williamnagar and Tura.
He said improved roads have made travel from these towns easier, with Williamnagar and Tura within roughly one hour 15 minutes to one and a half hours of the festival area.
