The Garo Festival 2025, also known as the Wangala festival or the 100 Drums festival, is a cultural celebration of the Garo tribe, which is one of the most vibrant celebrations in Meghalaya.
In 2025, this festival will take place from November 5 to November 7. This festival is an immersive encounter with Meghalaya’s rich tribal heritage and warm local hospitality.
So, if you get the opportunity to travel here and witness the beauty of this place and festival, do not miss it! Here’s more about this festival and experience.
All About Garo Festival 2025
This Garo tribe festival in Meghalaya is a post-harvest festival and is also celebrated by Garos in Assam, Nagaland, and parts of Bangladesh.
The festival is said to be a thanksgiving or a gratitude festival dedicated to the Misi Saljong, the Sun God of fertility and harvest, for a bountiful harvest and marking the end of the agricultural year. It is celebrated across the Garo Hills with dance, music, and traditional rituals.
Wangala Festival Celebrations
The festival brings the community together to honor the spirit of agriculture through various rituals and joyful festivities. Here is how the celebrations are divided into three days:
The Garo Wangala festival begins with various preparations that include various activities like decorations, buying new clothes, making traditional liquor, and more. The tribal chief, also known as Nokma, announces the festival dates well in advance so that the families can prepare for the same.
Day 1: The first day of this festival, also known as “Ragula,” involves various religious ceremonies that are held inside the house of the Nokma. Here, various prayers and offerings are made to the Saljong, and blessings are sought for prosperity in the future. These rituals are generally private and signify the spirituality of the festival.
Day 2: The next day is known as “Kakkat” and is one of the most important days of the Garo festival. On this day, the entire community celebrates marking public celebrations. Men and women dress in traditional Garo attire with beads and feathered headgears, performing the famous “Hundred Drums” dance. Long oval-shaped drums, bamboo flutes, gongs, and buffalo-horn flutes create a spectacular melody!
In this dance, the lines of men and women form two parallel lines and keep moving forward to the beats of the drums. This symbolizes unity and gratitude for the harvest. The celebrations also include other cultural dances, folk songs, and displays of traditional handicrafts. On this day, the government bands and offices remain closed as it is a regional public holiday.
Day 3: On the third day of the festival, the festivities continue with handicraft stalls, cultural showcases, and authentic Garo cuisine is available for all the visitors to try. There are also various workshops, like music, dance, and weaving, for visitors.
There are guided sightseeing tours around Tura, with nearby attractions like Pelga Falls and Nokrek National Park, often after the festivities.
An Unforgettable Travelling Experience
Traveling to the Wangala Festival 2025 in Meghalaya offers an immersive cultural experience that combines vibrant tribal traditions, rich heritage, and natural beauty.
Visitors can expect a soulful journey into culture with amazing drum performances, traditional dances, local rituals, and a warm community that showcases the heart of Garo life.
How To Reach Meghalaya
By Air
The nearest airport to Meghalaya is the Shillong airport in Umroi and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. From here, you can take a taxi or a local bus to your destination in Meghalaya.
By Rail
Meghalaya does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is the Guwahati railway station in Assam. From here, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Meghalaya.
By Road
Meghalaya is connected to Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura through major national highways, which make road travel easy.
Famous Spots In Meghalaya (Near Tura)
Nokrek National Park
This is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is located about 45 km from Tura, and is known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. It is spread across 47-48 square kilometres and is home to some of the most endangered species, like Asian elephants, clouded leopards, and red pandas.
Pelga Falls
It is a serene and lesser-known waterfall in Meghalaya situated near Tura and is accessible by a short trek through the woods. It makes this place a tranquil spot ideal for picnics, photography, and relaxation. This waterfall is very much famous among locals and tourists for its peaceful ambiance, scenic views, and opportunities for swimming in the crystal clear pools.
Siju Caves
This cave is also known as Bat Cave and is one of the longest cave systems in India. It is located in the South Garo Hills of Meghalaya and is known for its stalactites, formations, and stalagmites. The caves are inhabited by numerous bats, and hence guided exploration is recommended because of the length of the cave.
Rongbang Dare Waterfall
It is a beautiful waterfall situated within Nokrek National Park, which is surrounded by dense jungle. It cascades down rocky cliffs and can be reached after a forest trek. The falls are a popular stop for visitors who are exploring the park because of its tranquil setting.
Summing Up
Experiencing the Wangala Festival is more than attending an event; it’s a journey into the soul of Meghalaya’s tribal heritage. The travel experience to this festival will surely leave visitors enriched and inspired by the magic of the celebrations and the warmth of their hospitality.
