GOALPARA:
Wangala festival was organised by the Garo Cultural Forum in association with Garo Students’ Union and Garo Sahitya Sabha for the first time at Chotipara, Goalpara from 25th to 26th November.
The occasion was graced by Ramakanta Rabha, deputy chairman Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC), Frylin R Marak, executive councilor of RHAC, Rakkan M Sangma, joint secretary, 100 Drums Wangala Festival Committee and other dignitaries.
The RHAC has promised a sum of 10 lacs to the Garo Cultural Forum for construction of Garo cultural bhawan.
On the second day, Dr Tharsush K Sangma, adviser Garo Students’ Union, touched upon the roots of the festival. Wangala was observed in all corners of Garo Hills but after Christianity arrived, the rituals started dying down.
He stated, “The most important thing for us as a community is to preserve our practices, language and attire. We have a lot more to do, preserving Wangala being the most important. It is on each and everyone of us, not just a couple of people. As active participants or merely as observers, it’s our duty to protect our culture.”
Rakkan M Sangma, joint secretary 100 Drums Wangala Festival Committee, said even after having witnessed many cultural dances, Wangala will always remain close to him.
“The interest in it has dwindled. Even in Songsarek regions, people are less interested to learn and preserve the same. So, in the end, whom can we go to in order to learn about our own culture? Our people have become more focused on other cultures. It’s okay to learn about different cultures across the world, but not at the expense of our own. There’s a saying that goes, one who doesn’t know his own identity is like a tree without roots. We’re also in danger of heading towards that,” Sangma said.
The occasion drew in a huge crowd and witnessed Wangala dance by troupes from Garo Hills, Shillong and various parts of Assam. Various cultural performances also took place on the closing day.