Information about Wangala Festival
Location: All Meghalaya
State: Meghalaya
Capital: Shillong
Language: Khasi, Garo, English
Temperature: Max 37˚C, Min 15˚C (summer), Max 28˚C, Min 8˚C (winter)
Best Season: March to July.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is located at Guwahati in Assam, which is about 128 Kms from Shillong. Guwahati is well connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Baghdogra and Bangkok by regular flights. Taxis can be hired from Guwahati Airport to Shillong. There is a helicopter service from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Guwahati, which is located at a distance of 103 Kms from Shillong.
By Road: Meghalaya Transport Corporation and Assam State Transport Corporation buses are available, that frequently ply from Guwahati to Shillong.
A very important festival among the Garos is the Wangala- a harvest festival held in honour of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility. This marks the end of a period of toil, which brings good yield of the fields. It is the time to relax and for days the hills and valleys resound with the distinctive beat of drums. Young and old join the festivities with equal gaiety. While the men beat drums, the line moves forward in rhythmic unison. The ‘orchestra’ of men consists of drums, gong and flutes punctuated by the sonorous music of an indigenous flute made of buffalo horn. There is a noticeable sense of rhythm in the participants, young and old, and the vigorous dance leaves a lasting impression upon the beholder.