TURA, Nov 12 - Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan inaugurated the Wangala festival at Asananggre village, near Tura in West Garo Hills on Friday. More than 3,000 people gathered at the venue to celebrate the post-harvest festival.
It is a thanks giving ceremony to Misi Saljong also known as Pattigipa Rarongipa (The Great Giver) for having blessed the people with rich harvest.
In his inaugural address, the Governor stated that India is a land of festivals, starting from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu comprising of vibrant, colourful and multi-cultural festivals and Wangala festival is one among these festivals.
He lauded the unique and wonderful community life of the Garos in which they help each other both in times of family crisis and also during happy occasions like marriages when the whole clan helps.
Earlier in the programme, tug of war and competitions in Garo indigenous musical instruments like Chigring, Adil, etc., were organised as part of the festival. The inaugural ceremony is followed by a Rugala ceremony which is performed by the Nokma (village head).