Viccashe Sumi, IPS, IGP Rtd. speaking at the Wangala festival which was held under the theme "Our culture is the soul of our tribe" on November 21 at Samaguri Village playground, Dimapur. (Photo Courtesy/ NGTC)
Dimapur, November 23 (MExN): Garos in Nagaland celebrated "Wangala", a post-harvest festival of the Garos with the theme "Our culture is the soul of our tribe" on November 21 at Samaguri Village playground, Dimapur.
Viccashe Sumi, IPS, IGP Rtd. and K Lun Tungnung , Advocate and Social Activist attended the festival as special invitees, stated a press release from NGTC President Biplab K Sangma.
Viccashe Sumi in his address said, "the Garos have settled in Nagaland since times immemorial and are very much part and parcel of the state. He advised the gatherings to stay united in the place wherever they are. The guest also said that the Garos possess a very rich culture and tradition and advised the congregation to preserve it well for the future generation.
K Lun Tungnung lamented that the Garo Wangala festival was not included in the Mini-Hornbill Scheme in spite of the fact that the Garos are also a recognized tribe of Nagaland.
He further urged the gathering to educate their children with utmost priority.
Other invited guests were president of All India Karbi Students Association (AIKSA, Karbi Anglong, President Garo Students' Association Diphu and leaders from Indigenous Minority Tribes of Nagaland (IMTN).
Earlier, the programme commenced with an invocation by Believers Church Jorhat Diocese, Rev Pele Marak while welcome address was delivered by Convenor Wangala Celebration Committee Prodip D Sangma.
A brief account of the Wangala was presented by Samuel Marak and Garo Students' Union Nagaland Zone, President Cliff D Sangma delivered the vote of thanks.
Wangala dances, folk song, folk fusion, indigenous games display were other highlights of the festival. The festival was organized by Wangala Celebration Committee (WCC) in association with Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC), Garo Students' Union Nagaland Zone (GSUNZ), Garo Mothers Association Nagaland (GMAN), and All Nagaland Garo National Association (ANGNA).
