Sunamganj Garo community celebrates Wangala festival

The indigenous Garo community at Madhynagar upazila in Sunamganj district, celebrated the traditional three-day Wangala festival from Monday to Wednesday, offering thanks to rice and grain deity for the season's harvest. The festival, observed at Banshikunda north union of the upazila at Sadhu Matthias Church grounds of Kaitakona, marks an important cultural and spiritual occasion for the community.  Wangala, also locally known as Wana, Wanagala, Wanma Rongchua or Drua Wanbala, is traditionally held after the monsoon and before winter, when the new rice crop is harvested. Before the festival, consumption of the new crop is prohibited, making Wangala a celebration of gratitude for the harvest. 

The term "Wana" refers to offerings to deities, while "Gala" means to dedicate or present, reflecting the festival's religious and social significance. 

The festival blends rituals, prayers and offerings to the rice deity Misi Saljong with cultural performances such as traditional flute dances by Garo women and war dances by Garo and Mandi youth. Drums and flutes fill the air, creating a vibrant celebration of nature, community and heritage. 

Handicrafts, traditional attire and artworks made from natural dyes were also displayed, reflecting the Garos' agrarian lifestyle, forest-based livelihoods and sustainable practices like fishing in local wetlands. 

Hajong writer and poet Dashrath Chandra Adhikari noted that Wangala serves as both a cultural showcase and a form of identity preservation, teaching younger generations pride in their past, social bonds and respect for tradition. 

Festival organizers and local leaders emphasized that Wangala fosters communal harmony and cultural continuity amid modernity's challenges. 

The event was attended by Garo men and women in traditional attire, some wearing intricately crafted headgear called Khutupe or ornamental accessories made from rooster feathers known as Domi, along with colorful garments like Dakmanda and Daksari. The ceremonial activities included offerings of harvested crops, traditional drinks and rooster sacrifices, performed by Garo priests (Khamal) while chanting prayers to the rice deity. 

Robin Dazel, president of this year's Wangala committee, described the festival as "a celebration of Garo history, culture and gratitude toward Misi Saljong for the harvest." 

Ajit Hajong, chairman of Upazila Indigenous Tribal Welfare Association, highlighted that Wangala reflects the Garo community's deep connection with nature, their traditions and collective joy, hoping the festival's colorful legacy continues for generations. 

Madhynagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Uzzal Roy added that if Wangala is promoted more widely in the region, it could become a shining representation of Bangladesh's ethnic diversity and cultural richness.