Introduction
Nestled between two mountain ranges, the Arabella Range and the Tura Range, the Garo Hills form an intrinsic part of the territory of Meghalaya, being as it is at the pinnacle of all cultural and tourist events of Meghalaya. The region which is predominantly known for its tribal population follows a religion of Animism which believes that all living beings on the earth, sky and sea as well as the heavenly bodies and natural elements like the rain are primeval forms of divinity. However, today many of the Garos are Christians converted by the zeal of the several missionary organizations which function here. Besides this, the influences of Hinduism, Buddhism as well as Islam can also be observed in minor pockets of the region. It is perhaps a culmination of all these influences that forms the basis of celebrations in the Garo Hills. These can be observed during some of the Festivals in Garo Hills, (Nov-Dec), notable among which is:
Wangala
Bearing a strong connection with the agricultural practices of the Garo Hills, the Wangala festival is one of the most important festivals of the region, being held annually during the month of November. The festival was begun originally as a Thanksgiving in the name of Saljong, the God of bounties, marks the period of harvest which was gathered during this period. Though, the festival forms a predominant part in the celebrations of the era, yet, there is no fixed date set apart for the festival which is celebrated in the different villages of the period on different dates. The leader of the village or the Nokma oversees all the arrangements of the festival, which is characterized by fun, frolic and merriment. Food and rice beer overflow as does laughter. Another important characteristic feature of this festival is the colorful Wangala Dance that is performed by thousands of men and women of the region. There is in this dance a clear division amongst the men and women who perform the dance in separate lines. The rhythm of the drums gongs and horns played on by the men add a festive fervor to the entirety of the festivals.
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