CM urges people to make 100 Drums Wangala Festival bigger

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Nov 13:  The 39th 100 Drums Wangala Festival at Asang, Rongram Block concluded on a high note with Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma attending the concluding day of the three day festival as the Chief Guest.

Addressing a large gathering, Dr Sangma said that people from all different parts of the region have gathered together to preserve the age old traditions of the forefathers. While congratulating the founding and present members of the committee, he said such festivals not only preserve, but also to promote the culture of the people before the rest of the world. The Chief Minister said it is the responsibility of everyone to make such festivals bigger.

The Chief Minister also said that Wangala depicts the way of life of the ancestors that is deeply rooted to their land, ture and environment and it the endeavor of the government to make development initiatives that will ensure sustaible livelihood for a sustaible ecology. He also informed that tourist flow in the state has increased and the government has initiated schemes to promote Tourism with complete community involvement.

"The rich, vibrant cultural heritage and the bountiful ture is our strength and I urge the leaders, community and all stakeholders to partner with the government in its various development schemes and initiatives," he said.

Saying that Asang has become famous for 100 Drums he informed that the potential partners of the area will be given entrepreneurship training and skill development to promote Tourism in Asang.

The Chief Minister also released colouful balloons to mark the colourful festival. This year the villages of Bolonggitik, Sasatgre, Wadagre, Buribra, Sadolbra, Dingbra, Gondenggre, Bolbokgre, Dalanggre and Resanggre took part in the 100 drums festival with the winner of last year Gondenggre emerging as champions once again.