Tribal harvest festival · Meghalaya
Wangala Festival 2026 — 100 Drums Festival of the Garos
The great post-harvest thanksgiving of the Garo people — a hundred drums played as one.
Wangala is the Garo tribe's post-harvest thanksgiving to Misi Saljong (the sun-god of fertility) — and the ‘Hundred Drums Festival’ (Dama Gogata) at Asanang is its most spectacular expression. For three days in November, hundreds of Garo dancers in feathered headdresses (Do'me) beat the long dama drums in perfect unison, a sight matched nowhere else in Northeast India.
- Dates
- 5 – 7 November 2026
- Venue
- Asanang Cultural Ground
- City
- Asanang, West Garo Hills
- Status
- Announced
What to expect
Overview
- 3 days at Asanang cultural ground, 18 km from Tura — plus village-level Wangala celebrations across the Garo Hills through October–November.
- ‘Hundred Drums’ (Dama Gogata) mass performance — the festival's signature moment.
- Rugala (offerings to Misi Saljong), Sasat Sowa (incense-burning) and Kakkat rituals opened by the Nokma (village chief).
- Traditional Garo cuisine: nakham bitchi (dried-fish soup), pumpkin curry, sticky rice and chu (rice-beer).
- Handloom, dokhona and jewellery market with Garo weavers from all five hill districts.
Context
History & significance
Wangala predates Christianity in the Garo Hills — traditionally a Songsarek (indigenous) harvest thanksgiving that could last up to a week.
The Nokma of each village opens the festival with the Rugala and Sasat Sowa ceremonies before the dama drums begin.
The consolidated ‘Hundred Drums Festival’ at Asanang was formalised in 1976 by the Government of Meghalaya to preserve the tradition, and now draws Garo villages from West, East, South, North and South-West Garo Hills.
Wangala has been recognised on India's ‘Incredible !ndia’ cultural festival circuit and is central to Garo cultural identity.
Getting there
How to reach
- Fly into Guwahati (GAU) — 220 km / 5-hour drive to Tura via NH51.
- Meghalaya Transport Corporation runs daily buses from Guwahati to Tura (overnight, ₹700).
- From Tura, Asanang is a 30-minute drive (18 km); shared Sumos run through the festival days.
- Alternate route: fly to Guwahati → Balipara → Tura by night bus.
- No permit needed — Meghalaya is permit-free.
While you're there
Nearby attractions
Tura Peak
1,400 m summit and reserve forest with panoramic Garo Hills views.
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO biosphere reserve — home to the citrus gene sanctuary and hoolock gibbon.
Siju Cave
One of India's longest limestone caves, on the Simsang river.
Balpakram National Park
‘Land of the spirits’ plateau — sacred to the Garos, home to red pandas.
Chibragre River Confluence
Popular picnic spot outside Tura, on the Ganol and Rongram rivers.
Accommodation
Where to stay
Rikman Continental, Tura
Best-appointed hotel in Tura (₹4,500+).
Hotel Sundare, Tura
Comfortable mid-range option (₹3,000+).
Meghalaya Tourism Orchid Lodge, Tura
Government-run, quiet setting (₹2,500+).
Homestays in Asanang / Rongram
Basic Garo homestays around the festival ground (₹1,500+).
Nokrek Wild Nature Camp
Rustic camp near Nokrek Biosphere for a nature add-on (₹3,500+).
Travel with us
Living Roots tour package
7 days / 6 nights
Wangala 100 Drums Festival — Garo Hills Immersion
- Guwahati airport pick-up and drop
- 3 days at Wangala Festival Asanang with reserved seating
- Village Wangala visit in a Songsarek Garo hamlet
- Nokrek Biosphere day trek and Siju Cave visit
- All meals, transfers and a local Garo guide
Tura has limited premium rooms — we hold inventory 3 months in advance and pair the festival with Nokrek Biosphere and Siju Cave.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the Wangala 100 Drums Festival 2026?
The government-organised 100 Drums Wangala Festival will be held on 5 – 7 November 2026 at the Asanang cultural ground, 18 km from Tura in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. Village-level Wangala continues through October and November.
What is the Wangala Festival?
Wangala is the post-harvest thanksgiving festival of the Garo people, dedicated to Misi Saljong, the sun-god of fertility. Its highlight is the ‘Hundred Drums’ (Dama Gogata) performance — hundreds of Garo dancers beating long dama drums in unison.
How do I reach Asanang for the Wangala Festival?
Fly to Guwahati (GAU), then drive 5 hours to Tura on NH51 and continue 30 minutes to Asanang. Meghalaya Transport Corporation also runs overnight buses from Guwahati to Tura.
Do foreigners need a permit for Wangala Festival Meghalaya?
No. Meghalaya does not require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Inner Line Permit (ILP) for foreign or Indian visitors. A valid Indian visa is enough for foreigners.
What should I wear to Wangala Festival?
Modest, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for the dusty festival ground. It is polite to ask before photographing Garo dancers up close, and to greet the Nokma respectfully.