Garos celebrate Wangala to thank gods

Garo people of Madhupur Garh region in Tangail and Mymensingh recently celebrate their largest annual festival Wangala dedicating crops to their Gods.Photo: STAR

The indigenous Garo people of Madhupur Garh region in Tangail and Mymensingh recently celebrated their largest annual festival Wangala --dedicating crops to their Gods.
Garos this year organised three separate functions -- one at Pirgachha Dharmopalli on October 23, another at Jalchhatra Corpus Christi Parish on November 8 and, finally, at Gaira in Madhupur upazila of Tangail on November 27.
Faithful to their age-old tradition, the Garos have consumed their crops only after dedicating it to the divinity. On the day of Wangala festival, they offer their crops to 'Tatara' (believed to be the creator of the earth), Sushumi (who cures diseases and showers them with wealth) and Misi Saljong (who blesses them with crops).
On Friday last, thousands of Garo people also known as 'Mandi' and others joined a daylong programme at Gaira village in Madhupur.
The first session of the festival featured 'Rugala' (puja and other religious formalities of offering crops to the gods) where the Khamal (chief priest) prays and implores their gods to receive the crops.
Wearing traditional attire, young Garos embarked on the programme in the morning by singing religious songs and welcoming the guests with flowers.
Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzak attended the function as the chief guest. Ajoy-a-Mre, president of Joinshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad, presided over the discussion.
In their speeches, indigenous leaders have pressed various demands including their rights on land while the minister assured them of fulfilling their demands gradually. The minister distributed scholarships of Tk 2,400 to each of 75 Garo and Koch students at the function.
In the second session of the festival, Garo artistes performed a colourful cultural function including traditional songs and dances. The Garos welcomed their guests by serving 'chu' (home-made beverage).