Garo Cultural Troupe of Dimapur performing the famous Wangala dance at the Wangala Mini Hornbill Tribal Festival 2023 on November 21 at Ekranipathar village, Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 21
The Wangala Mini Hornbill Tribal Festival 2023 was celebrated with great fervour in Dimapur on November 21. The premier festival of the Garo people is organised annually by the Nagaland Garo Tribal Council in association with the Department of Tourism, Nagaland.
The festival was hosted at Ekranipathar village where MLA, A Nyamyei Konyak attended as a special guest. Konyak, in his address, noted how the Garo and Naga festivals share similarities. While the Aoleang festival of the Konyak occurs during spring, marking the seeking of blessings after sowing, he said that the Wangala marks the harvest season, echoing the essence of thanksgiving.
While merry-making is part and parcel of festivals, he said that a more important aspect is how it becomes a conduit for preserving the time-honored heritage of the people. In this direction, he said that it is imperative for leaders to take the initiative and set positive examples, serving as role models for the younger generation. According to him, the elders, with their wealth of experience, have much to impart to the younger members of the community. The MLA further encouraged continued efforts towards inclusivity and harmony of all communities.
The Wangala is generally held in the month of October to November. It was traditionally a thanksgiving ceremony to ‘Misi Saljong,’ also known as ‘Pattigipa Ra rongipa’ (The Great Giver). The main celebration is preceded by a ritual called the Rugala. In this ritual, rice beer along with cooked rice and the vegetables were given to the ‘Misi Saljong.’ The next day, another ritual called the burning incense was burned Nokma’s (village chief) house marking the beginning of festivities.
The Wangala Mini Hornbill Tribal Festival 2023 will conclude on November 22 where Dr Tinojongshi Chang, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur will be the special guest and R Tsapikiu Sangtam, ENPO President, will be the ‘special tribal guest.’
