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India celebrates many different kinds of national, regional and religious festivals. One of these festivals is the Wangala Festival. Wangala is also known as the festival of “The Hundred Drums”. It is the regional festival of Meghalaya which is celebrated by the Garo tribe. The festival is very important for the Garo tribe since it celebrates the harvesting season. In this section, we will learn more about the Wangala Festival and its significance to the people of the region. This is the potential subjects for various examinations. Learning more about such festivals will help you prepare for various competitive examinations, such as UPSC, SSC, and EPFO. Continue reading to enhance your knowledge about such topics.
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What is The Wangala Festival?
The Wangala Festival is an important festival for the Garo people, who live in Meghalaya and other regions of Assam. This harvest festival is held in November to mark the end of the agricultural season and the start of winter. It is time to thank Misi Saljong, also known as the Sun God, for the harvest.
Significance of Wangala Festival
The Wangala Festival is deeply rooted in the cultures and traditions of the Garo community. The term ‘Wangala’ comes from the Garo words ‘Wang’, which means God, and ‘Ala, which means song. The purpose of this festival is to offer respect to the god for a successful harvest.
- This celebration celebrates the Garo tribe’s connection with nature and agriculture.
- It’s also a festival in which the community comes together to share the rewards of their labour.
- The Sun God, also known as Misi Saljong in the Garo tribe, is one of the most important deities in their culture.
- The Wangala Festival honours Misi Saljong for bringing warmth and energy to crop growth.
- It is also believed that the festivals ensure the well-being of the community and bring happiness.
Also Read: The Harvest Festivals In India: From Lohri to Hornbill
Rituals of Wangala Festival
The festival begins with rituals done by the village’s elders or priests. These rituals mark the beginning of the celebration.
- Rugala is the most important ritual as it involves offering the first harvest of the season to the Sun God.
- Rugala is followed by the Sasat Sowa ceremony, during which locals pray for the well-being of the community and the protection of their crops.
- Another tradition is Dokru Sala, which involves offering food and drinks to the spirits of the ancestors.
- The Garo tribe respects their ancestors, believing them to be the protectors of the community and agriculture.
Celebration of Wangala Festival
The Wangala Festival continues for two to three days and is a cheerful celebration. This festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the Garo people through rituals, songs, and dance.
- The primary attraction of this festival is the ‘Dama Gogata’ or ‘100 Drums Dance’. Men and women perform this dance dressed in colourful costumes. The men beat traditional drums, producing rhytmin sounds. The women move beautifully to the beat of the drums. Their movements represent the rhythm of life and the natural cycle.
- The 100 Drums Dance is more than just a performance; it is a form of storytelling that depicts scenes from Garo’s life and mythology.
- This dance is also believed to evoke the blessings of the gods and ancestors and ensure a healthy crop.
- Apart from drums, other traditional musical instruments are played at the festival including the flute, horn, and bamboo mouth organ.
Also Read: Tribes of India: The Ancient People & Their Culture
Feasting is an important part of the Wangala Festival. After the rituals and dances, the entire community gathers to enjoy a meal. This dinner mostly consists of rice, pork, fish, and traditional Garo dishes.
- Nakham Bitchi (dried fish soup), Pura (meat or fish), and Chubitchi (rice beer) are examples of traditional Garo dishes.
- The Wangala Festival is also an opportunity to strengthen community bonds.
- During this festival, family and friends greet one another and share gifts. Traditional sports like wrestling and archery are popular among people of all ages.
More About Wangala Festival
The Wangala Festival is more than just a harvest festival; it also celebrates the Garo tribe and their traditional beliefs. This is an opportunity for the community to honour the past and look forward to the future while remaining in the present. Wangala Festival remains an expression of the Garo’s rich cultural legacy and connection to the land and their ancestors.
Even after being connected to its traditional history, it evolved over the years. Today, this festival is celebrated not only in villages but also in towns and cities.
- The Meghalaya government has made efforts to promote the festival as a cultural tourism event.
- The Wangala Festival attracts visitors from all over the world and provides an opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the Garo tribe.
- Modern Wangala celebrations include cultural performances by Garo artists, traditional craft shows, and local product sellers.
- This festival provides an excellent chance for Garo people to promote their arts and crafts.
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FAQs
The Wangala Festival is an important festival for the Garo people, who live in Meghalaya and other regions of Assam and Meghalaya. This harvest festival is held in November to mark the end of the agricultural season and the start of winte
Another name for the Wangala is “The Hundred Drums”.
The Wangala Festival is a harvest festival, which also celebrates the Garo tribe and their traditional beliefs. This festival honours Misi Saljong (Sun God) for bringing warmth and energy to crop growth while ensuring happiness to the community. Wangala Festival remains an expression of the Garo’s rich cultural legacy and connection to the land and their ancestors.
.This was all about the “Wangala festival”. For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section and Study Material Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.