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| Tribes and Cultures |
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| Garo Tribe |
| Garo is held in place of prominence, located mainly in the heartland of Burdwan district. Some of them even found in other districts, namely, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar also. Many people know them as Achik. Maximum of these Garo tribes are the ardent followers of Christianity. There are a huge section of Garo populace who has followed Baptism and Roman Catholicism. These Garo tribes follow almost all the rituals associated with this religion. Few of these Garo tribes are `Seventh-day Adventists, Anglicans` and the rest belong to some of the newly formed `denominations`. |
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| Following the tradition of most of the tribes of the region, there are several of Garo tribes who still follow their conventional Animist-Hindu norms and customs. The main language spoken by these tribes is Garo, also known as Garrow and Mande. |
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| The general and customary festivities are, of course, those linked with farming operations. One of the most significant among Garo festivals is the Wangala, which is a festivity of thanksgiving after harvesting. During the festival, the people worship the Saljong, the deity who supplies to the human society with Nature`s amplitudes and assures their prosperity. There is no permanent time for the celebration. |
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| In fact the Garo tribes residing in different villages, fete this festivals according to their own convenience and whish. Generally, the Wangala festival is celebrated in the month of October. Preparations begun beforehand and the `Nokma of the village` supervise the whole arrangement that the Garo villagers have done on their own hands. Feasting is an integral part and a huge quantity of food and rice-beer are being made well ahead. The culmination of the celebration approaches when the colorful Wangala dance is being performed. Both the males and females participate in great enthusiasm in their best of their clothes. |
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