Meghalaya, India’s northeastern state, is full of natural wonders like Cherrapunji- the world’s wettest place; Mawsmai Cave; and Māwsynrām- the world’s live bridge made with tree roots and trunks. It is also known for its different tribes and vibrant culture. But do you know that the state hosts an annual festival to showcase the culture and heritage of the Garo tribe every year?
That is nothing short of a spectacular event. On Friday, November 7, 2025, Meghalaya is celebrating the 49th Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival. The festival offers an enchanting glimpse into the rich culture, deep reverence for nature, and agricultural way of life of the Garo community.
About Wangala Festival
The Wangala Festival, a festival of 100 Drums, is an important harvest festival which is celebrated by the Garo tribe in the Indian state of Meghalaya. The harvest festival is also celebrated in Bangladesh. The celebration of the Wangala Festival marks the end of a period of toil, which brings good output on the fields. The festival is when tribals offer sacrifices to please their main deity, Saljong- the Sun God. It is generally celebrated for two days and sometimes continues for even a week. The festival is celebrated in a grand way in Tura and the West Garo Hills villages of Sadolpara by the Garo tribe in Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the 49th Hundred Drums Wangala Festival on November 6 in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. He shared lots of pictures of the Wangala Festival celebration on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Truly delighted to be part of the 49th Wangala Festival today! We take great pride in our rich heritage and remain committed to preserving and promoting it. The Government has undertaken several initiatives to support research on our culture and heritage.”
He furthur wrote, “A Committee has been formed to study the journey of the Garos from Tibet, helping us trace our lineage and migration to the North East. Sincere thanks to all Wangala groups and the Organising Committee for keeping our traditions alive for nearly five decades.”
The Iconic 100 Drums Celebration
At the festival, individuals of all ages wear vibrant traditional clothing and feathered headdresses while dancing to the rhythmic sounds of large, oval drums along with other traditional instruments. Ceremonies are conducted by the village leader (Nokma) and the priest (Kamal) to revere the god and ask for future blessings.
