Tripura, 08 Dec 2025: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Sunday inaugurated the 20th State-Level Wangala Festival at Natuntilla, Udaipur, celebrating the cultural heritage and identity of the Garo community.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that more than 700 tribal communities across India enrich the nation’s diversity, and Tripura itself is home to 19 indigenous communities whose culture, traditions and practices must be preserved. He emphasised that the state government has undertaken special initiatives to protect their heritage under the guidance of the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs (ICA), Udaipur Sub-Division Administration and the Tripura Garo Union, who jointly organised this year’s festival.
Dr. Saha said the central and state governments are committed to the holistic development of Tripura, with special focus on education, road connectivity, drinking water, health services and overall socio-economic upliftment. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to observe the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’, honouring contributions of India’s tribal communities.
Calling Wangala one of the principal festivals of the Garo community, the Chief Minister said that the event reflects unity and the community’s intrinsic connection with nature. He praised the Garos for sustaining their cultural roots and rituals including the traditional Wangala thanksgiving ceremony for the harvest. Representatives from the community also handed over a memorandum of demands to the Chief Minister.
Leaders stress on preservation of Garo heritage
Speaking as a special guest, MLA Pranajit Singha Roy noted that such festivals help promote and preserve the unique culture and traditions of the Garo people. Festival committee chairman and minister Ratan Lal Nath said the state government is undertaking various initiatives to protect the education, culture and heritage of all indigenous communities.
The event was attended by MLA Jitendra Majumder, Gomati Zilla Parishad President Dela Debbarma, Udaipur Municipal Council Vice-Chairperson Shilpa Chandra Majumder, Gomati District Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar G., Additional District Magistrate Suman Acharjee, Matabari Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Shilpi Rani Deb, ICA OSD Jayanta Debpramanik, Tripura Garo Union President Pindu Ch. Marak, and other dignitaries.
Throughout the day, traditional cultural performances, dances and community rituals highlighted the rich legacy of the Garo people. A commemorative plaque was also unveiled to mark the occasion.
