The Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival, is a grand cultural extravaganza that takes place in the picturesque state of Meghalaya, India. If you’re planning a visit to Meghalaya, timing your trip to coincide with this festival is a decision you won’t regret. Scheduled to commence on November 10, the festival is an auditory and visual spectacle that celebrates the end of the agricultural year and honours the bountiful harvest.
Why Wangala is Special:
Wangala is not just a festival; it’s a profound expression of the Garo community’s culture, their respect for nature, and their agricultural practices. It’s a time when the entire state pulsates with the rhythm of drums and the joy of dance, making it one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals in Meghalaya.
Wangala Festival 2023 Celebration Dates
This year’s vibrant 100 Drums Festival is scheduled to span over three days, commencing on the 10th of November. The festival, a post-harvest celebration, is meticulously organized by the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee.
History of the Wangala Festival
The Wangala Festival serves as the winter harvest celebration for the Garo Tribe in Meghalaya. It’s a time when the Garo people offer their homage to ‘Misi Sanljong’ or ‘Pattigipa Ra’rongipa,’ also revered as the Sun God, acknowledging the deity’s blessings for a fruitful harvest.
According to local lore, the distinctive dance showcased at the Wangala Festival was originally a performance by aquatic beings. Although humans were welcomed to partake in the festivities, they were unfamiliar with the dance. Legend has it that crabs were the ones who imparted the knowledge of this dance to the humans. This is why the dance steps are thought to mimic the movements of crabs.
The Significance of the Festival:
The festival marks the end of the labour-intensive agricultural season and is a time for giving thanks to the deities for the harvest. It’s a period of seeking blessings for the upcoming year, ensuring that the cycle of sowing and reaping continues to be fruitful.
The Heart of the Festival – Drums and Dance:
At the core of the Wangala Festival is the mesmerizing beat of a hundred drums, which are integral to Garo culture. These drums, crafted from tree trunks, provide the soundtrack to the Wangala dance, which is the festival’s centrepiece. Dancers adorned in traditional attire move harmoniously with the drumbeats, accompanied by indigenous instruments like bamboo flutes and gongs, creating an unforgettable experience for spectators.
Garo cuisine is a unique taste of Meghalaya’s tribal culture:
The festival is also a fantastic opportunity to explore traditional Garo cuisine. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as bamboo shoot curry and rice cakes, among other traditional dishes, offering a taste of the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Craftsmanship and Souvenirs:
In addition to the music and dance, the festival features stalls and exhibitions that showcase Garo craftsmanship. Here, you can find handmade textiles, bamboo and cane products, and traditional jewellery – perfect for taking home a piece of Meghalaya with you.
Growing Popularity:
Over the years, the Wangala Festival has seen a surge in popularity, attracting visitors from all over India and around the world. It plays a significant role in making Meghalaya one of the most visited and cherished states in India.
Understanding the Rituals of Wangala Festival:
The Wangala Festival is a tribute to Saljong, the Sun god of fertility. The festivities, which can last from two days to a week, begin with a ritual called “Ragula,” performed inside the chief’s house. The following day, known as “Kakkat,” is when the community, dressed in colourful costumes and feathered headgear, dances to the music of drums. The dance forms, with their subtle variations, involve two parallel lines of men and women moving in a synchronized fashion. The men play drums, gongs, and flutes, with the music of a buffalo horn flute adding to the ambience.
Cultural Preservation:
The Wangala Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a vital way for the Garo people to preserve and promote their cultural identity. It’s an exhibition of the region’s culture and traditions, ensuring that the heritage of the Garos continues to thrive.
Conclusion:
The Wangala Festival is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Meghalaya. It’s an event that offers a unique glimpse into the life and traditions of the Garo community. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in cultural diversity, witness the unity of the community, and experience the sheer joy of a festival that reverberates through the hills and valleys, Wangala is the perfect occasion.
FAQs about the Wangala Festival
How many days is the Wangala festival?
The Wangala festival typically lasts for two to three days. However, some celebrations can extend up to a week, depending on the region and the scale of festivities planned by the local communities.
Who celebrates Wangala?
The Wangala festival is celebrated by the Garo tribe, who are indigenous to the state of Meghalaya in India. It is one of their most significant and cherished cultural events.
Why is Wangala celebrated?
Wangala is celebrated to mark the end of the agricultural year and to thank ‘Misi Saljong’, also known as the Sun God, for the bountiful harvest. It is also a time to seek blessings for the next harvesting season.
What is the language of Meghalaya?
The principal languages of Meghalaya are Khasi, Garo, and English. English is the official language, while Khasi and Garo are the indigenous languages spoken by the respective tribal communities.
Is Wangala a state holiday?
Wangala is not typically a state-wide public holiday in Meghalaya. However, it is a significant festival for the Garo tribal community, and local observances may include closures and a holiday atmosphere in Garo-dominated areas.
In which month is the Wangala Festival celebrated?
The Wangala Festival is celebrated in the autumn season, typically in the month of November, after the completion of the harvest season.
What is the main festival of Garo?
The main festival of the Garo tribe is the Wangala Festival. It is also known as the 100 Drums Festival and is the most important cultural celebration for the Garo people.
What is the Wangala dance in Tripura?
The Wangala dance in Tripura is similar to that in Meghalaya, where it is a part of the harvest festival celebrations. However, the cultural context may vary slightly due to regional differences. The dance is characterized by its rhythmic movements that resemble the motions of crabs, a nod to the festival’s mythological origins.
In which month is Wangala Utsav celebrated?
Wangala Utsav, or the Wangala Festival, is celebrated in November. It coincides with the end of the harvest season, allowing the Garo community to express their gratitude for the year’s crops and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Please check out our other blog post to discover more about Meghalaya.
- Why Visit Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
- Top Jowai Attractions
- Explore Meghalaya’s Caves
- Mawlynnong, Asia’s Cleanest Village
- Meghalaya in April: Best Places
- March Travel Destinations in Meghalaya
- Nohkalikai Falls: A Travel Guide
- Best Trekking Spots in Meghalaya
- Must-Visit Places in Meghalaya
- Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival
- Shillong’s Top Attractions
- Garo Heritage Village in Meghalaya
- Meghalaya’s Religious Sites Reopening
- Discover Cherrapunji and Surroundings
- Taste Meghalaya’s Cuisine
- Meghalaya’s Hill Stations
- Historic Sites in Meghalaya
- National Parks of Meghalaya
- Meghalaya’s Folk Dance Traditions
