Wangala
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The post-harvest thanksgiving dance of the Garo people, offered to the Sun God Misi Saljong, famous for the ‘100 Drums’ celebration.
TribalWhere: Meghalaya (Garo Hills)Occasion: Wangala festival after the harvest, usually October–November; the 100 Drums Wangala Festival is held near Tura
| Performed by | Men and women in two long lines, led by the Nokma (village headman) at the start of the rites |
|---|---|
| Costume | Colourful handwoven clothes, feathered headdresses for men, beads and ornaments for women |
| Music and instruments | Long drums (dama), gongs, buffalo-horn trumpets and bamboo flutes |
How it is performed
- The festival opens with the Nokma offering the first produce of the harvest to Misi Saljong, the Sun God.
- Men stand in a line beating long drums while women stand in a parallel line.
- Both lines move forward together in rhythm, with the dancers swaying and nodding their heads, the women moving their hands gracefully.
- The leaders change the pattern of the drumbeat and the lines follow.
Significance
Wangala is the most important festival of the Garo people. The 100 Drums festival brings troupes from many villages together and has become a showcase of Garo culture.