Wangala Festival Highlights Garo Heritage. Dr Manik Saha inaugurates 20th State-Level Wangala Festival
Udaipur (Tripura), Dec 8: The rhythmic beats of dances like dama, the sound of gongs, and colourful traditional attire set the tone for the 20th State-Level Wangala Festival at Natin Tila in the Gomati District of Tripura today. The event marks a grand celebration of Garo heritage and the cultural unity of Tripura’s Janajati communities.
Inaugurating the festival, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha described Wangala as one of the most important cultural pillars of the Garo people, noting that the event serves not only as a symbol of identity but as a bridge connecting various indigenous communities across the state.
“Wangala is more than a festival – it is a reflection of heritage, unity, and pride,” Dr. Saha remarked, highlighting the role of traditional festivals in strengthening social harmony.
A Cultural Bridge Among Janajati Groups
The Chief Minister observed that while India is home to nearly 700 tribal groups, Tripura alone nurtures 19 Janajati communities, each carrying a rich legacy of art, language, and seasonal rituals. Festivals like Wangala, he said, help bring these communities together, encouraging shared tradition and cultural exchange.
The celebration, also known as the Festival of Hundred Drums, featured vibrant traditional performances, folk songs, and community gatherings that showcased the depth of Garo cultural expression. Elders, youth, and children participated in dance rituals performed to honour Misi Saljong, the Sun God of the Garo people.
Cultural Pride at the Centrestage
As the festival grounds filled with spectators and performers, the spirit of celebration transcended community boundaries. Cultural troupes from different regions joined the event, turning it into a wider showcase of Janajati identity in Tripura. Handicrafts, traditional attire, and indigenous cuisine stalls added to the festive atmosphere, creating space for cultural learning and interaction.
The presence of government representatives further highlighted the significance of Wangala in Tripura’s cultural ecosystem. The programme was jointly organized by the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs, Udaipur Sub-Divisional Administration and the Tripura Garo Union.
Dignitaries Attend the Ceremony
Among those present were Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, MLA Jitendra Majumdar, Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Debal Debroy, Udaipur Municipal Council Chairperson Sheetal Chandra Majumdar and Gomati SP Dr. Kiran Kumar K. Additional District Magistrate & Collector Subhash Acharya, Matabari Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Shilpi Rani Das, ICA Deputy Director Ajay Dey and Tripura Garo Union General Secretary Pintu Chandra Ghagra were also in attendance.
