A traditional wangala experience
On 02nd October, 2023, I had an opportunity to witness the Wangala festival celebration in Rongnabakgre village of West Garo Hills.
The Wangala Festival: A Cultural Delight
The Wangala festival is a celebration of the harvest season by Garo tribe in Meghalaya. It is also known as the festival of "The Hundred Drums". During the festival, the Garos pay homage to Saljong, the Sun God, for blessing the people with a rich harvest. The highlight of festival is Wangala Dance, where the young men and women, dressed in colorful traditional attire, dance with infectious energy to the beat of drums and gongs.
The origin of Wangala lies in "Songsarek" (animistic) religion of Garos. However, nowadays most Garos follow Christianity. But the tradition of Wangala is still alive.
I had a truly amazing and unforgettable experience. It is a testament of rich cultural diversity found in India's northeastern region.