The dominant Garo Tribe primarily celebrates the Wangala festival in Meghalaya. The festival indicates the beginning of winter and is celebrated as a nod to the post-harvest season. The festival is held in the Asanang near Tura in the Garo Hills. It usually falls in the second week of November each year. The festival is celebrated in the honour of ‘Misi Saljong’, a local deity who is considered to be generous. He is supposed to be the force behind the good things that happen to the community. One day before the festival, the village chief who is also known as the “Nokma” performs several rituals like making ritual offerings to the deity. Several things like freshly brewed beer, cooked rice and vegetables are offered to the deity-Misi Saljong. This festival is also unique as music forms a mainstay of their celebrations.
Drums, flutes and other orchestra instruments are played to create a festive ambience. It is also known as the ‘100 Drum Wangala festival’ as loud drum noises herald the beginning of the festival.
The day is also set apart by the wonderful costumes worn by the participants. An extraordinary feature is the feathered head-gear that is worn by everyone celebrating the festival and also reflects their clan colours.
