Meghalaya's 100 Drums Wangala Festival enters Guinness World Records during Golden Jubilee celebrations

Why in news

The 100 Drums Wangala Festival in Meghalaya entered the Guinness World Records during its Golden Jubilee celebrations, prompting a Union government commitment to promote the region as a tourism destination.

Background

The festival featured 1,000 drummers and 3,000 dancers during its Golden Jubilee. Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the Union government's intent to collaborate with the Meghalaya government for tourism promotion.

Facts for Prelims

• PlaceWangala Festival: A cultural festival celebrated in the state of Meghalaya
• Fact100 Drums Wangala Festival: Involved 1,000 drummers and 3,000 dancers during the Golden Jubilee
• PostGajendra Singh Shekhawat: Union Minister for Tourism and Culture

For Mains

Q. Discuss the role of cultural festivals in promoting regional tourism and preserving indigenous heritage in Northeast India.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Economic catalyst: Leveraging cultural identity to create niche tourism circuits and local employment
• Heritage preservation: Balancing large-scale commercial tourism with the sanctity of indigenous tribal traditions

Keywords: Cultural Tourism · Heritage Preservation · Regional Development · Indigenous Identity

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