The Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee (HDWFC) will organise the Narang Festival on December 18 at Chibragre in the Garo Heritage Village, Wangala A•dam. The event will be held from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and is aimed at highlighting the rich agricultural traditions of the Garo Hills, with special focus on Komila, or orange, one of the most important crops of the region. The festival is being planned as a platform to bring farmers, villagers, and visitors together to celebrate farming practices that have been part of Garo life for generations. Organisers said the Narang Festival is not just about competition, but about recognising the hard work of growers and the role agriculture plays in sustaining local communities.
Several competitions will be held as part of the programme. These include the Sweetest Orange Competition, the Largest Orange Competition, and the popular Komila (Orange) Eating Competition. All competitions will carry cash prizes and certificates for the winners. According to the HDWFC, oranges for the Orange Eating Competition will be provided by the organisers. Participants will have to register by paying an entry fee of Rs. 300. The contest will be conducted under clear rules to ensure fairness. Each participant will get one minute to eat as many oranges as possible. Oranges must be properly peeled and completely swallowed. Any violation of the rules may lead to disqualification. Members of the HDWFC will not be allowed to take part in the competition.
The winner of the Orange Eating Competition will receive a cash prize of Rs. 5,000 along with a certificate. The first runners-up will get Rs. 3,000, while the second runners-up will receive Rs. 2,000. In the Sweetest Orange and Largest Orange competitions, participants will be required to bring their own oranges for judging. Each of these categories will carry a cash prize of Rs. 3,000. Organisers said all participants will be briefed about the rules and judging process at the venue before the competitions begin. Apart from the daytime events, the festival will continue into the evening with a musical concert. The main attraction of the evening programme will be a performance by Riprap, a well-known and respected music band from the Garo Hills. The organisers expect the concert to draw a large crowd and add to the festive atmosphere.