Wangala: All about this unique tribal festival celebrated in Meghalaya

Wangala festival is a public holiday celebrated in the Northeastern province of India. Meghalaya is one state that celebrates this festival with enthusiasm. This festival lasts for several days, beginning from the second week of November. The festival is celebrated after the harvest is finished.

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All about the festival of Wangala

The second-largest tribe in Meghalaya, named Garos celebrate this festival with incredible joy. This tribe accounts for almost thirty per cent of the population for the entire state. The Garos are one of the few remaining matriarchal societies found in India. A rather unique thing about the tribe is that they take titles from their mothers rather than their fathers.

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Wangala is also called the festival of a Hundred Drums. The festival is mostly agriculture-based and centres around farming in general. It is a type of thanksgiving feast to Misi Saljong, also known as Pattigipa Ra'rongipa or The Great Giver. They thank the river for blessing them with a rich and prosperous harvest.

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The Ceremony is held towards the west Garo hills in, Asanang. This festival is led by a village priest. Girls in the village known as Nomil and boys are known as Pante take part in this festival. A hundred drums are played along with bamboo flutes as they enjoy in the festival. The drums are played by the boys, while the girls dance to its rhythm. They recite folk songs to which the drums are played.

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These songs depict the lives of the Garos, their admiration for nature or simply just praises for their Gods. It is believed that this festival began in December 1976 and has grown ever since. This festival is declared a public holiday in Meghalaya and the state recognizes it as the Wangala day holiday.