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New Delhi: Wangala, also known as the "Hundred Drums Festival," is one of Meghalaya’s most captivating cultural events. Celebrated by the Garo tribe primarily in the Garo Hills region, this festival marks the end of the harvest season with a spectacular display of gratitude towards the Sun God, Misi Saljong. Known for its rhythmic drumbeats and colourful traditional dances, Wangala combines spirituality, community bonding, and cultural pride.
Held annually around October-November, Wangala transforms the peaceful hills into a lively arena filled with folk music, spirited performances, and traditional rituals. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Meghalaya’s rich indigenous heritage and witness a festival that celebrates nature’s bounty and human joy.
What is Wangala festival?
Wangala is fundamentally a thanksgiving festival where the Garo people express gratitude to Misi Saljong for a bountiful harvest. The festival spans over two to three days, featuring ancient rituals led by village elders known as Nokma or Kamal. The highlight is the mesmerising drum performances—up to 100 tribal drums are played alongside gongs, flutes, and a unique buffalo horn flute. Both men and women don bright feathered headgear and traditional attire, performing dances that reflect community solidarity and cultural richness.
Festival Highlights and traditions
Wangala’s key events include:
Why visit Wangala Festival?
For travellers, Wangala offers:
How to plan your Wangala trip
The festival is mainly celebrated near Tura town in West Garo Hills. The nearest airport is Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, approximately a 4-5 hour journey by road. Shillong Airport has limited connectivity. From Guwahati or Shillong, taxis and buses are available to explore the region and attend the festivities.
Wangala Festival is more than a harvest celebration; it’s a vibrant tapestry of tradition, gratitude, and joyous community spirit. Witnessing Wangala provides travellers with authentic cultural immersion and a window into Meghalaya’s indigenous heart. Mark your calendar for this soulful festival and experience the captivating rhythm of a hundred drums echoing through the hills.
