Shillong: The Meghalaya Tourism Department is preparing for a grand celebration of the 100th Wangala Festival, with plans to showcase traditional Garo costumes, expand the festival ground and accommodate a larger gathering of visitors.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said the department has sanctioned Rs 45 lakh for the purchase of traditional costumes for the festival, which he described as a special celebration.
“We are thinking to upgrade it up to 1,000 drum Wangala because this year it will be a special celebration,” Shira said.
He said the festival would showcase the original costumes of the Garo tribe, including those worn by their forefathers.
The minister said the construction of the Nokpanti and Nokachuk would also be undertaken according to old traditions, with decorations and wood carving forming part of the preparations.
According to Shira, the costumes purchased for the festival will be the property of the Wangala Committee and will be handed over to the Tourism Department. He said the committee had already engaged local tailors and designers for the costumes.
Traditional implements, including daos, spears and two-edged swords, have also been ordered for the celebration and are nearing completion, he said.
With a larger crowd expected this year, the festival site is being expanded and developed to accommodate visitors.
Shira said work on the ground was underway, while two or three parking areas were also being constructed. Private parking facilities will also be initiated this year, he added.
The minister said the festival would continue to be held at its existing location, ruling out plans to shift it to a new site.
He said the government had earlier considered moving the festival but decided against it following strong opposition from the Wangala Committee, which felt that shifting the event would dilute its originality.
“Knowing fully well their unwillingness to shift it to the other site, we have already agreed that it will take place in the same place,” Shira said.
On accommodation for visitors, the minister said a five-star hotel project was underway but would not be completed before the festival.
He said the government would rely on existing hotels and homestays in Tura and nearby areas to accommodate tourists.
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Visitors could also stay in Williamnagar, Shivalpar and Medhipatar, he said, adding that improved road connectivity had made these places accessible within around one to one-and-a-half hours.
Shira said the department would also use social media to promote lesser-known tourist destinations in Garo Hills and encourage visitors to explore places beyond the festival venue.
Regarding special guests, he said the Union Tourism Minister would be invited along with other dignitaries, although the list had not yet been finalised.
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