WANGALA FESTIVAL OF GARO

Garos' celebrate many festivals in a year round. This festivals are related to their customs, cultures and living style. 'Wangala' is one of them. Many anthropologists says that wangala is their greatest festival. This festival is held approximately in the month of October or November when they collect their new harvests to home. On this day, they thanks the Almighty God for new harvests. They arrange many culture related programmes. They enjoy the whole day exchanging their love, affection and wishing for others. It is the day of thanks giving to the Almighty and planning for the next years. Some photos of Wangala festival are given below.

IDENTITY OF GARO COMMUNITY ( AN INDIGENOUS PEOPLE)

More than 150 million indigenous peoples live in Asia. This is more than half of the world's indigenous people. Among them majority lives in South Asian country India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam etc.
There are 45 distinct ethnic groups or indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. Their ethnic identity, language, religion, culture, traditions and way of living are totally different from that of the majority. Garo is one kind of ethnic groups or indigenous people's in Bangladesh. They have their own language, culture, traditions and vivid past.
There are so many parts of Bangladesh where Garos have been living for centuries. Specially, north & north-east sides of the country are highly populated with them. Mymensingh, Tangail, Sherpur, Netrokona, Sunamgonj, Sylhet etc.
They also have been living in many parts of India. But mostly in the valleys of Garo Hills.
The fundamental relationships, celebrations and needs that we all rely on are very similar rituals, customs and traditions which celebrate and express the values and beliefs that we embrace for both nourishment and meaning are unique.
The customs, cultures and traditions that sustain their identity and hold their communities together are uniquely theirs. Garos are different from patriarchal society. The history of their struggle to safeguard their rights and to protect their way of life is a testimony of their courage.
There are numerous examples of how the decisions and actions of representatives of successive governments respect and appreciate the history and traditions of the more than 45 different indigenous groups who inhabit the country.