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WAGHI CULTURAL SHOW
(WCS)
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The Waghi Cultural Show is an annual event comprising display and re-enactment of the vibrant Traditional Waghi Culture in it's true Virtues. The event started in 2004 in conjunction with public holiday commemorating head of commonwealth nations, Queen Elizabeth II. Waghi Cultural Show is focused at becoming an annual event symbolizing peace and unity amongh the tribes of Waghi and a revival of the unique Waghi Culture for the younger generation before it loses its true value amidst modernisation and cross cultural impacts. WCS BACKGROUND & HISTORY IN BRIEF Waghi Cultural Show has its roots traced back to
times of prehistoric Waghi when two major cultural events known as Kong
Garr and Wupal were celebrated among tribes of Waghi. Resembling the Kong
Garr and on a small tribal basis was Wupal. Wupal was an event
celebrated among the clans of a tribe for seasonal exchange of pandanus
(Karuka & marita) followed by pig killing ceremony that ended the
Wupal. These events are however gradually dying out as the Waghians go
through modernisation with intruduction of Western Cultures. Many attempts
were made to revive these cultural events but most have never seen enough
support or there have never been dedicated committees to arrange for an
annual cultural show within Waghi area. One such attempt was the Jiwaka
Cultural Show hosted near Fatima Secondary School, Banz, ten years ago
(1995). Since then there were no formal cultural shows within Waghi area.
Often there would be smaller fetes organised to mark an event or smaller
cultural groups would volunteer to represent Waghi in bigger organised
events like Morobe Agricultural Show. But these groups have never really
portrayed the true colors of the Waghi Culture. |
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The venue of WCS is the old but renowned tourist point in Waghi area, the Hall Storm Bird Sanctuary in Nondugl better be known to locals as Nondugl Zoo. The bird sanctuary was set by an expatriate who was also engaged in the setup of Nodugl's first coffee plantation. Nondugl is also a place first settled by Catholic Missionaries in the 1930's and is located 30km North of Okuk Highway from Waghi Bridge. WCS OBJECTIVES Waghi Cultural Show aims to revive and promote a steady Cultural Show event in Waghi area every year. Experiences from past have shown need for a permanent committee devoted to organising the event with proper supports. WCS therefore will establish a stable show committee dedicated to planning, budgeting and running of the show annually. With committees and proper planning in place, WCS will seek means to promote and generate awareness for sustainable resources like tourism with the people of Waghi and lure international tourists annually to promote Waghi Culture and provide income to substantiate a better living. Apart from commercialising the event, WCS main motive is to have this event annually for peace and unity of communities within Waghi. WCS will annually ensure people of Waghi to have this time in each year to spare for cultural activities, extend relationship with other nightbouring communities and to come together for a time of great singsing (cultural celebration). WCS will also ensure people of Waghi to realise and appreciate the value of their cultural celebrations and to understand and accept its true meaning. Only though sharing of same cultural heritage will people of Waghi unite together to enforce law and order and peace and tranquility, throughout this beautiful Waghi Valley. |
