The Rugala ceremony was done by the local chief, known as the Nokma, as part of the ongoing Wangala Festival, which involves making offerings to the Gods in gratitude for a healthy harvest. On Friday, the second day of Wangala Festival ceremonies at the Garo Heritage Village in Chibragre began with a gift of the first traditional rice beer, as well as freshly harvested and cooked rice with local vegetables, to Misi Saljong, the Great Giver. The Wangala Festival’s Rugala ceremony is led by the local chief, known as the Nokma. E. Kharumniud, chief guest and registrar general of the High Court of Meghalaya, expressed gratitude to the Wangala Committee members for the opportunity to attend this event.
He hoped that the festival would continue to expand and thrive in the next years, and that everyone of us should be grateful for the bountiful benefits we receive while spreading the message of love and fraternity throughout the community. Chairman Ronald Rikman Sangma noted that staging the largest Garos festival is a source of great pride for us since it allows us to maintain and display the Garos’ rich culture and customs to others. Aside from the Rugula ceremony, the second day of the event featured a Folk Song Competition to promote the Garo tribe’s traditional music and instruments.
