Round : The Rugala Ceremony marked the second day of the 46th Wangala Hundred Drums Festival held at the permanent site of the A’chik Heritage Village in Wangala A’dam, Chibragre. Leader of the Opposition, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Dr. Mukul M Sangma graced the occasion as the main guest.
Expressing his gratitude to the Wangala Hundred Drums Festival Committee for being able to witness the festival at the current permanent site, Dr. Mukul M Sangma also thanked the committee members for choosing this wonderful site for the benefit of the locals. of the region. the ever-increasing Wangala Festival. He mentioned that this event plays an important role in preserving the rich culture and traditions of our ancestors as well as presenting our identity to others.
Stating that the festival had been held for many years in Asanang, but due to various constraints, the venue change to a better location was necessary, he said. Furthermore, he also thanked concerned Nokma and the clan members for generously donating the land for this noble cause and added that it will be a collective resolution to ensure and create a suitable venue to host this extraordinary festival which is related to our way of life. and cultural. Recalling and acknowledging the immense contributions of the founding members of the committee, he said that despite the various challenges faced, they have brought this festival to its present state and added that as Chief Minister of the previous government, he had also increased the sanctioned amount for the festival.
Moreover, while we preserve, protect and promote our culture and traditions, he said that the rights and privileges enshrined in Schedule 6 of the Constitution and the powers and functions of the traditional court of the Nokmas are neglected and that, by Therefore, these customary practices are also must be practiced and protected, otherwise we will be deprived of our rights and privileges in the future, he added.
Chairman of Meghalaya State Commission for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Ferlin CA Sangma honoring the occasion as guest of honour, Wangala Hundred Drums Festival Committee Chairman Ronald Rikman Sangma , were among others who spoke during the festival.
It can be mentioned that a day before the Wangala, a ritual called Rugala is performed by the Nokma (a village chief) and in this ritual, the offering of the special first-hand rice beer with cooked rice and vegetables are given to Misi Saljong, the Great Donor.
Apart from the rugala ceremony, the second day of the festival saw the Ajia Doroa and folk song contest held with the aim of promoting traditional music and musical instruments of our tribe.
MLA, Rangsakona Assembly Constituency, Zenith M Sangma, MLA Salmanpara Assembly Constituency, Winnerson Sangma, MDC, Sadiarani Sangma, President Nokma Council, Skylance G Momin, other dignitaries, district officials, Wangala Committee members and tourists from country and from abroad were among others who attended the festival.
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