Wangala Festival

Wangala Festival is the annual harvest festival held in the state of Meghalaya. The festival is celebrated in honor of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility. The festival signifies the onset of winter as well as it marks the end of a period of toil, which brings good output of the fields.

Wangala Festival is also known as “100 Drum Festival”, which mainly includes tribal groups offering sacrifices to please their main deity Saljong - the Sun God.

The festival extends from two days to a week, with the first day focusing on the ceremony of "Ragula". On the second day the ceremony of “Kakkat” is performed. People of all age groups young and old dress in colorful attractive costumes with feathered headgears dance to the tune of music played on long oval-shaped drums.

The festival brings relaxation for the people of Meghalaya. The sound of drums played during this festival echoes in the hills for a long period to come. Although the dances performed every time have some variations, yet the main idea remains a queue of two parallel lines - one of men and other of women clad in their festive fineries. Participants move in lines while playing drums in a rhythmic manner.

The main attraction of the festival is the music and orchestra being played by men in a rhythmic fashion. The 'orchestra' of men includes drums, gong and flutes, punctuated by the sonorous music of a primitive flute made of buffalo horn. There is a notable sense of tempo in the performers, young and old, and the energetic dance leaves a lasting impression upon the beholder.

The Siju Caves where this festival is held is located in the Garo Hills. . It is also known as Dobakhol and is also known as the Cave of the Bats. One interesting thing about these caves is the deposit of stalagmite found here till date. The caves, there location, Garo hills, the weather, serene natural beauty, cloudy sky all mesmerize the tourists coming here and especially during the Wangala Festival as the atmosphere is studded with rhythmic music of drums.

Significance:

Meghalaya, which means land of clouds, is mainly an agricultural and farming land. The inhabitants here therefore generally worship the Lord of farming and agriculture. The Wangala Festival is therefore a grand Carnival to celebrate the harvest season. This is because after year long toil the inhabitants find relief in seeing the golden harvest. So, they pay homage to the lord who has blessed them with such a splendid crop and sing and dance to offer worship to the great deity. The inhabitants of Garo hills also make numerous offerings and sacrifices to the Lord for his support and blessings. In all the festival elaborates on the culture and traditions of the inhabitants of Garo Hills.

Time of celebration:

Apart from celebrating the golden harvest the festival also signifies the onset of winters. Thus, the festival is certainly celebrated in winters, generally in the month of November.

Pomblang Lewduh

Pomblang Lewduh is an extremely popular Festival celebrated in the state of Meghalaya. The festival is celebrated in the month of October every year. It is a three day festival full of life and energy. Many activities and events are organized throughout the three days of Festival.

The festival is organized in the Smith Area, which is a village also called the “Traditional House of the Queen”.

Many tribal dances including the Khasi Dance are performed by the local people of the village.

As a ritual, the daughter of the Queen reach on the ground, followed by which other people gather at the grounds and then perform the ritualistic Traditional tribal dances.

Meghalaya is famous for its tribal communities and traditional dances. Khasi community is one of the most famous tribal communities in the state of Meghalaya.

These festivals give an entertaining break to the localites from day to day routine as many tribal dances are performed on these festivals

Autumn Flower Show

Meghalaya one of the most important states of north east India is famous for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Flowers are one of the most attractive gifts of nature and holds special place in the hearts of all people. The Autumn Flower show held in Meghalaya is one of its kinds in India. The variety and range of flowers found in the state of Meghalaya is the most exquisite. 

The Autumn flower show is an annual event that is celebrated with great fun and frolic in the state of Meghalaya. It is organized in the months of October- November. Specifically the show is an exhibition of different varieties of decorative flowers. This show is exhibited in the All Saints Hall of Shillong which is situated in the East Khasi Hills. The exhibition is known for its rare floral collection and the range of plants that are displayed here.

Sunflowers, fire bush trees, different types of hibiscus, zinnias, crepe myrtle, lotus and other beautiful flowers are displayed in the Autumn Flower Exhibition at Meghalaya.

Localites along with nature and flower lovers from all over India come here during the months of October November to witness this grand spectacle of flora.

Although over the years many such shows are organized in different parts of the country, a number of states, yet the Autumn Flower Show of Meghalaya holds its distinction and uniqueness till date.

Meghalaya located in the North Eastern zone of India is blessed with amazing flora and fauna. It is also known to be the greenest state in North East India. The richness of flora and fauna found here is remarkable.

Autumn Festival

Shillong the capital of Meghalaya becomes vibrant and comes alive during the months of October November specifically because of the Autumn Festival held here during this time. It is a cultural extravaganza organized by the government of Meghalaya along with other organizations. The event is a means of entertainment and frolic for the inhabitants of Shillong.

Apart from the localites of the area, tourists and visitors from all over India gather here during the Autumn Festival in October November to celebrate the festive spirit of the state of Meghalaya.

The event is packed with fashion shows organized by government provides an opportunity to different designers to showcase their designs which are made out of indigenous fabric which are woven in the state. Apart from the fashion show there are other events like food and wine festivals, flower shows, kite flying competitions, music and rock festivals, golf tournaments, fishing competitions and a host of other activities, which are organized during the Festival.

Both localites and tourists have a great time during the activities of the festival. It is celebrated on a grand scale and is immensely popular.

Meghalaya literally means “Land of clouds” and is extremely famous for its traditional dance and music. Meghalaya is also a state which gives home to a number of tribes. Many tribal communities with their own set of culture, customs and traditions observe festivals with their own set of customs. Most of the festivals of Meghalaya revolve around agriculture, which is the prime occupation of the state people. Apart from the Autumn Festival other popular festivals include Wangala Festival, Seng Kut Snem, Autumn flower festival etc.

How to reach:

By Air:

The state does not have any airport. The nearest airport is at Guwahati, which is only 128kms from Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya. A helicopter service operates betweenGuwahati, Shillong (30 min) and Tura (60 min), which is convenient and economical.

By Rail:

The state does not have any train service. The nearest and railway station is in Guwahati. The state has very convenient road connection with Guwahati throughout the year.

By Road:

Road Network in the state is quite efficient and covers the state conveniently. National Highway 40 is an all-weather road running through the state. The road connects Shillong withGuwahati, which in turn is connected to other major cities in rest of the country.