TURA, Garo Hills: The Narang Festival Garo Hills 2025 took place today at Garo Heritage Village in Chibragre, organised by the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee (HDWFC). This one‑day event was held from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM on December 18 and focused on honouring the agricultural traditions of the region, with special emphasis on the Komila orange, a fruit widely cultivated in the Garo Hills.
The festival featured several competitions designed to highlight local produce and encourage community involvement. Among these were the Sweetest Orange and Largest Orange contests, where growers were invited to bring their best oranges for judging. Each of these categories offered a cash prize of ₹3,000 to the winners, recognising excellence in quality and size.
A popular part of the festival was the Komila (Orange) Eating Competition, a lively contest that drew enthusiastic participation. Oranges for this event were provided by the HDWFC, and those wishing to take part paid an entry fee of ₹300. Competitors were given one minute to eat as many oranges as they could under rules that required proper peeling and complete consumption. Participants who did not follow the guidelines faced disqualification, ensuring fairness and transparency in the competition.
The champion of the orange eating contest received a cash prize of ₹5,000 along with a certificate. The first runner‑up and second runner‑up were awarded ₹3,000 and ₹2,000 respectively, each accompanied by a certificate of achievement. These prizes were aimed at motivating contestants and celebrating their efforts during the competition.
Before the contests began, organisers briefed all participants at the venue about the rules and judging process. This orientation helped contestants understand expectations and ensured that everyone competed under the same guidelines. Participants in the Sweetest and Largest Orange categories were responsible for bringing their own oranges for evaluation by the judges.
In addition to the daytime competitions, the festival included an evening musical concert to bring the celebrations to a festive close. The highlight of this programme was a performance by Riprap, a well‑known music band from the Garo Hills, which added entertainment and energy to the event.
The HDWFC invited the public to attend and take part in the Narang Festival, describing it as a joyful celebration of agriculture, culture, and community spirit in the Garo Hills. The event offered both locals and visitors an opportunity to enjoy traditional produce competitions and music, reinforcing pride in local food heritage and cultural expression.
