Wangala festival: only two rituals this year

Tura: Celebrated since the year 1976, the Wangala Festival of Meghalaya is the most important festival of the Garo tribe of Meghalaya. The festival marks the end of a period of hard work and brings good output from the fields. However, keeping in view of the present situation, the members of the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee (HDWFC) have decided to hold the program in the village of Chibragre, which is next to its original venue. The new proposed site is a few kilometers away from Asanang, where it has been celebrated for the last 44 years.

FK Marak, a convenor to the HDWFC, said. "Keeping in view the sentiments of Garo people and not to break the chain of celebration that has been going on since 1976 uninterrupted only limited troupes are being invited to take part in the festival where strict COVID-19 protocols with a bare minimum of the presence of people shall be there." However, the festival will only see a few rituals being performed.

In a meeting held on October 2nd, the HDWFC decided on performing only two rituals: 'Rugala' and 'Sa'sat So'a' for the safety concern of the people.

The two rituals of the foundation laying ceremony, Do'chi Goa and Kosi Songa will be organized tentatively on October 7 at its proposed site. The former is performed to see the good or bad omen before starting any foundation work, while the latter is an erection of stones to earmark the site for community reserve forest.

Marak also said that "These rituals form an essential part of the Wangala festival, are merely symbolic and in no way intend to dilute the faith and belief system of any person or individual. It is expected that such rituals will help scholars/students who are doing research work on various Garo customs, culture, and usages."  

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