You heard it right! Wangala Festival of 100 Drums is one of the most popular festivals in Meghalaya celebrated by the Garo tribe. This Harvest Festival of Meghalaya is not just a cultural feast for visitors but also an extraordinary experience to get insights into the Garo lifestyle.
In this blog, let’s uncover the Garo Tribe Wangala Festival by getting the details about its celebration, rituals, its duration, what to do during the festival, and everything about the 100 Drums festival of Meghalaya.
About the Celebration of Wangala Festival of 100 Drums
The 100 Drums Wangala Festival is a modern version introduced in December 1976 in Asanang, 18 km from Tura, to promote tourism and bring multiple festivals together on one platform. Held over three days in the first week of November, it features colorful performances with dancers and drummers from across Garo Hills, and even neighboring regions like Nagaland, Tripura, and Bangladesh.
The festival has grown in popularity, becoming a grand celebration of Garo heritage and attracting many visitors every year. You can enjoy the Wangala Festival Celebration while exploring the best places to visit in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
Rituals of the Garo Tribe Wangala Festival
The festival begins with important rituals led by the village chief, called the Nokma. On the first day, the Rugala ritual is performed, where the Nokma offers freshly prepared rice beer, cooked rice, and vegetables to the Sun God as a gesture of gratitude.
On the second day, the “Cha·chat So·a” ceremony takes place. The Nokma burns incense at the central pillar of his house to seek blessings for the community. It is believed that the Sun God does not favor animal sacrifices or offerings but enjoys the aroma of burning incense.
These rituals mark the beginning of the grand celebrations of the Wangala festival in Meghalaya, filled with traditional dances, music, and drumming.
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Attire of the Garos during the Wangala Festival Celebration
Women dress in beautiful garments like the Chroko Ganna (a bead-decorated top), Ganna Dakmanda (a wrap skirt), Chinani (a shawl), Ganna Kore Kinga (a traditional top), and Kotip (a headscarf). Men wear the Gantap (a wrap cloth), paired with a Genji Gisim (a shirt) or Pandra (a crisscrossed cloth worn on the body).
Both men and women complete their look with a Kadesil- a special feather headgear along with jewelry made of coral, beads, shells, and silver.
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Highlights of the 100 Drums Festival of Meghalaya
The Wangala Festival of 100 Drums features a variety of drums, instruments, and weapons made from animal horns and bamboo. The third day of the Wangala Festival Celebration is the grandest, with 100 long oval drums played in sync, creating a magical musical atmosphere.
Around 300 men and women dance to the rhythm of these drums and other instruments, depicting the various stages of harvesting crops. Each group consists of 10 drummers and 30 performers, with 10 groups performing together. There’s even a competition for the best dance group.
A fun element of this Harvest festival of Meghalaya is that villagers often choose their life partners during the festivities. After all the festivities on the last day, visitors are invited to join the villagers in their traditional dances, making it one of the best things to do in Meghalaya and an unforgettable experience.
Things to Do at the Wangala Festival of 100 Drums
- Try Local Food and DrinkAt the Wangala Festival in Meghalaya, you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine of Meghalaya and dishes from other northeastern states. Don’t miss trying local drinks like rice beer, which is a specialty. This is a great chance to experience the unique flavors of the region.
- Shop Local Handicrafts and JewelryShopping in Meghalaya is a must at the Garo Tribe Wangala festival. You can buy traditional weapons, headgear, utensils, bamboo crafts, textiles, and beautiful handmade jewelry. These items are perfect as souvenirs or gifts, showcasing the craftsmanship of the region.
- Dress Up in Traditional Clothes and Click PicturesDuring the Wangala Festival Celebration, visitors can dress in traditional Garo outfits and take memorable photos. This is a fun way to participate in the festival and appreciate the vibrant culture of the locals.
- Interact with the LocalsTalk to the locals to learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and the history of the Wangala Festival Celebration. They are friendly and will happily share stories about their rich culture and the significance of the event.
- Enjoy the FestivitiesThe Wangala Festival in Meghalaya is filled with sports, performances, music, and folk dances. You can watch the mesmerizing 100 Drums performance, enjoy the colorful dances, and listen to the vibrant traditional music.
- CampingCamping in Meghalaya is an amazing way to experience the festival. You can set up tents near the venue and enjoy nature while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Garo Tribe Wangala Festival. It’s a great way to spend more time with locals and fully enjoy the event.
- Watch the Traditional Garo HutsExplore the traditional Garo huts built for the festival participants. These huts, designed by the Garos, are simple, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the tribe’s connection to nature and their unique lifestyle.
Location and How to Reach to the 100 Drums Festival of Meghalaya
- By Airways: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (260 km away). You can also fly to Guwahati Airport (approx. 220 km) as it has better connectivity of flights from major Indian cities and take a taxi or bus to Tura.
- By Railways: The closest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, from where buses and taxis are available to Tura.
- By Roadways: Tura is well-connected by roads. You can take state-run buses or hire a taxi from Shillong or Guwahati.
Once in Tura, you can explore places to visit in Tura while attending the festival. The journey through Meghalaya’s scenic landscapes adds to the experience of the Wangala Festival in Meghalaya.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Wangala Festival celebrated?
The Wangala Festival in Meghalaya is celebrated in October or November, after the harvest season. The modern 100 Drums Festival is held in the first week of November to promote tourism.
What is the significance of the Wangala Festival?
The Wangala Festival is a way to thank the Sun God for a good harvest. It also reflects the traditional beliefs, music, and dances of the Garo tribe, preserving their rich heritage.
Why is Wangala Festival called the 100 Drums Festival?
It is called the 100 Drums Festival because, on the last day, 100 long oval-shaped drums are played in sync. Around 300 men and women dance to the rhythm, creating a magical and vibrant atmosphere.
Who celebrates the Wangala Festival?
The Wangala Festival is celebrated by the Garo tribe of Meghalaya, one of the state’s largest indigenous communities
What is the Wangala Festival?
The Wangala Festival is a post-harvest thanksgiving festival celebrated in Meghalaya. It honors Misi Saljong, the Sun God of fertility, for blessing the people with a good harvest. The festival is filled with traditional music, dances, and rituals, showcasing the rich culture of the Garo tribe.