Traditional Garo ‘wangala’ festival celebrated in Moulvibazar’s Sreemangal
Published: 07 December 2025, 11:34:52
The Garo community of Sreemangal upazila in Moulvibazar district, celebrated their traditional harvest festival, Wangala, with vibrant rituals, cultural performances and thanksgiving ceremonies for the new crops.
The day-long event highlighted the community’s agricultural lifestyle, religious heritage, and rich cultural traditions.
The event was held on Sunday at Phulchhara Garo Line football field under Kalapur union, organized by Srichuk Garo Nakma Association.
Wangala is primarily a thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Garo deity Mishi Saljong, where the community offers gratitude for the newly harvested crops and prays for blessings, health and prosperity for the coming year.
The term “Wana” means gifts from the deity and “Gala” means offering; symbolizing gratitude and devotion.
Traditionally, the festival takes place after the rainy season, marking the start of winter, when consuming the new harvest is permitted.
Chief Guest Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Islam Uddin and Special Guests including BNP National Executive Committee member Mojibur Rahman Chowdhury Haji Mojib, Father Dr. James Shyamol Gomez CSC of Sreemangal Catholic Mission, Prabhas Singh, Director of Kamalganj Lalitkala Academy, Aranya E. Chiran, Chairman of Tribal Welfare Association Central Committee, Clodia Nakrek Keya, Organizational Secretary and Niloy Rashid Tanmoy, NCP Sreemangal upazila Chief Coordinator, attended the event.
The program was conducted by Samuel Joseph Hajong, General Secretary of Srichuk Garo Nakma Association.
Speaking to the Daily Observer, Clodia Nakrek Keya said, “This is my first visit to Sylhet from Sherpur. The local culture is very rich, with diverse communities living together. The Garo presence is remarkable and witnessing their traditional Wangala festival has been truly captivating. I hope this festival continues to grow and the younger generation learns, preserves and celebrates Garo culture.”
Samuel Joseph Hajong added, “Wangala 2025 began yesterday at Phulchhara Garo Line. Today marks the main celebration. Every year, the Garo community gathers for this harvest festival, offering the new crops to Mishi Saljong, now honoured as Christ the King. Through this ritual, we sanctify the harvest before consuming it ourselves.”
During the festival, Garo men and women dressed in traditional attire, performing dances and playing musical instruments, transforming the venue into a vibrant showcase of their cultural and agrarian heritage.
Since most of the Garo community follows Christianity, the festival coincides with celebrations of Christ the King, making the day a dual cultural and religious festivity.
