Preserving heritage

At the break of dawn yesterday, a group of youths gathered in front of a field in the capital. Wearing “dakmanda” and “daksharee” (colourful attires made from raw cotton fabric traditionally worn like sarong), they offered prayers for a bountiful harvest.

The boys and girls also sang religious songs and welcomed guests with flowers.

Soon, the atmosphere became festive. There were children running around and smiling constantly under the watchful eyes of their parents, who were engaged in conversations among themselves.

It's an age-old tradition, and the festival, “Wangala”, is still being observed by the Garo community. People of the community, who call themselves “Mandi”, believe such traditions help them remain together and uphold their  values.

The festival is celebrated in between September and December. Yesterday, hundreds of Garo celebrated Wangala at Dhaka North City Corporation field in Banani.

On the day of Wangala, Garos offer their crops to “Misi Saljong” (who blesses them with harvest), and “Tatara” (believed to be the creator of earth) and “Sushumi” (who cures diseases and bestows them with wealth).

According to tradition, Garos consume crops only after dedicating it to the divinity.

The first part of the festival featured “Rugala” (puja and other religious formalities of offering crops to the gods), where the “Khamal” (chief priest) prays and implores the gods to receive the crops.

“Wangala was first celebrated in Dhaka in 1992. Since then, it has been observed around this time,” said Anitya Mankin, nokma (chief) of Dhaka Wangala Celebrating Committee-2018.

“Wangala is an inseparable part of our lives,” he told this correspondent.

According to Garo leaders, there are three Wangala celebration committees in Dhaka and each celebrates the festival during this time.

The next one will be held at Tejgaon on November 30.

Wangala is also celebrated in Madhupur, Mymensingh and Sherpur, among other places.

Wangala originated from the ancient religion "Sangsarek". Although, most Garos have converted to Christianity, they still practice it. Over the years, the celebration has lost some of its originality, said the community leaders.

“But Wangala still gives us a sense of unity,” said poet Porag Ritchil.

While visiting the festival, this correspondent also met Oliver Scanlan, a teacher at a private university in Dhaka.

“It's a wonderful indigenous festival and I will suggest my friends to visit this event,” said Oliver, hailing from the UK.

In the afternoon, a discussion on the festival and preserving cultural heritage was held, followed by a musical performance, highlighting Garo musicians. 

Sham Sagor Mankin, a Mandi singer, said “An event like this helps introduce the youngsters to our rich tradition.”

Around 40 stalls were set up at the field, where ethnic attires, ornaments and food were sold.

“Thakbirim”, a publication house, also had a stall, showcasing works of Garo writers.