WANGALA DANCE

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Context: Members of the Garo tribal community recently performed Wangala dance on the occasion of ‘The Rising Sun Water Fest-2022’ on the banks of Umiam Lake in Meghalaya.

Details:

Wangala Festival of Meghalaya is a most popular festival among the Garos of Meghalaya, India.
Wangala Festival is a harvest festival held in honour of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility.
The celebration of the Wangala Festival marks the end of a period of toil, which brings good output of the fields. It also signifies the onset of winter.
The ceremony performed on first day is known as "Ragula" is performed inside the house of the chief. On the second day is known as "Kakkat".
The popular dance forms are performed during the festival, itself has certain subtle variations, the main motif being a queue of two parallel lines - one of men and other of women clad in their festive fineries. Young and old join the festivities with equal enthusiasm.
While the men beat the drums, the line moves forward in rhythmic accord.
The 'orchestra' of men includes drums, gong and flutes, punctuated by the sonorous music of an primitive flute made of buffalo horn.
Basically, the Wangala Festival is a way to preserve and promote the cultural identity of Garos in Meghalaya.