The Fourth Annual Wangala Festival, the Garo community’s post-harvest celebration, concluded in splendour at Chutipur in Goalpara district after a two-day cultural showcase on 14 and 15 November. The event, organised by the Garo Cultural Dance Organization and the Garo Students’ Union, brought together artists, community members and visitors from across Assam and Meghalaya.
Wangala, a major cultural tradition of the Garo people in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Assam, marks the end of the harvest season and offers thanks to nature and deity Misi Saljong. The festival remained central to preserving traditional dance, music, cuisine, crafts and sports.
This year’s celebrations saw spirited participation, with 10 Wangala dance troupes performing to the beat of nearly 100 traditional drums, drawing applause for their synchronised steps and colourful attire.
A key highlight was the announcement that the Assam government has declared Wangala Festival a State Holiday from 2025, a move warmly welcomed by the Garo community. Organisers and attendees expressed gratitude to the government for recognising their cultural identity.
The event attracted a large crowd from various districts of Assam and adjoining Meghalaya. Among the dignitaries present were Meghalaya minister Markus N. Marak, former RHAC executive member Frailin R. Marak, GSU president Thengchak G. Momin, Foldin R. Marak, Dr Tharcus T.K. Ch. Sangma, Kvorite P. Marak and Sanjay R. Marak.
The festival ended with a renewed commitment among organisers and participants to continue safeguarding Garo cultural heritage, with expectations of an even grander celebration in 2025.
