Garos of Nagaland celebrated Wangala, post-harvest festival of Garos, under the theme “Our culture is the soul of our tribe” on November 21 at Samaguri Village Playground.
A press release by Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) stated that the festival was organised by Wangala Celebration Committee (WCC) in association with NGTC, Garo Students’ Union Nagaland Zone (GSUNZ), Garo Mothers Association Nagaland (GMAN) and All Nagaland Garo National Association (ANGNA).
The festival celebration program was graced by Viccashe Sumi, IGP (rtd), and K. Lun Tungnung, advocate and social activist, as the special guest and special invitee respectively.
In his speech, Sumi said Garos had settled in Nagaland since time immemorial and they were part of the state. He also advised the Garos to remain united.
Stating that Garos have very rich cultures and traditions, Sumi advised them to preserve these for the future generations.
Addressing the gathering, Lun lamented that government of Nagaland had not included the Garo Wangala festival as part of its Mini-Hornbill festivals despite Garos being one of the recognised tribes of Nagaland.
Highlighting the importance of good education, Lun also urged the Garos to educate their children.
The festival commenced with an invocation by Believers Church Jorhat Diocese, Rev. Pele Marak; Samaguri Village presented a welcome song; a welcome address was delivered by WCC convenor, Prodip D Sangma; Samuel Marak spoke about the significance of the Wangala festival; and a vote of thanks was delivered by GSUN president, Cliff D Sangma. Garo Baptist Church Chumoukedima pastor, Eltish D Sangma offered the benediction for the program.
Highlights of the festival celebrations included Wangala dances by cultural troupes from Dubagaon and Samaguri Villages; folksongs by GSU Diphu and GSU Kabri Anglong; Garos from Eralibill Village and Ekaranipathar Village presented folk fusion and indigenous games respectively.