Garo people facts for kids

The Garos are a special group of people who live mostly in Meghalaya, a state in India. They also live in nearby parts of Bangladesh. They call themselves A·chik Mande, which means "hill people," or simply A·chik or Mande.

The Garo people are the second-largest group in Meghalaya. They make up about one-third of the people living there. The Garos are also known for having a unique social system called a matrilineal society. This means that family lines and property are passed down through the mother's side, not the father's.

Where the Garo People Live

The Garo Hills in Meghalaya are the main home for the Garo people. This area is full of green hills, rivers, and forests. It's a beautiful place where they have lived for a very long time. Their villages are often built on hillsides.

Garo Culture and Traditions

The Garo people have a rich and colorful culture. They love music, dance, and festivals. Their traditions are an important part of their daily lives.

Traditional Clothing

Garo clothing is often made from cotton. Women wear a special cloth called a dakmanda around their waist. They also wear a daksari as a top. Men usually wear a loincloth. During festivals, they wear special clothes and ornaments. These often include colorful beads and feathers.

Food and Daily Life

The Garo people mostly eat rice. They also enjoy different kinds of meat, fish, and vegetables. They often cook their food with bamboo shoots. Many Garo people are farmers. They grow crops like rice, corn, and cotton. They also raise animals.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are very important to the Garo people. They have many traditional instruments. These include drums, flutes, and gongs. Their dances are often lively and energetic. They tell stories about their history and daily life.

Wangala Festival

The most famous Garo festival is the Wangala festival. It is also known as the "100 Drums Festival." This festival is held after the harvest season. It is a way to thank the sun god, Misi Saljong, for a good harvest. People wear their best clothes, play drums, and dance for days. It's a time for joy and celebration.

Matrilineal Society

One of the most interesting things about the Garo people is their matrilineal society. In this system:

• Children take the mother's family name.
• Property and wealth are passed down from mother to daughter.
• The youngest daughter usually inherits the family's main house and land.
• Husbands move into their wives' homes after marriage.

This system gives women a very important role in Garo society. They are often the heads of their households.

History of the Garo People

The Garo people have a long history in the region. They are believed to have migrated from Tibet many centuries ago. They settled in the Garo Hills and developed their unique way of life. They have always been known for their strong connection to nature and their traditions.

Images for kids

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  Garo women and a Garo boy

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  The traditional house of Garo tribes

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  A Garo woman, 1912

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  Garo Boy in traditional dress

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  Garo girl in traditional dress

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  A Garo woman with traditional ornaments

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  Young Garo girls in traditional dress before the start of a festival in Resubelpara in 2016

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  Wangala

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  A 'Wangala' drummer of Garo Tribe of Meghalaya at the Republic Day Folk Dance Festival 2004 which was inaugurated by the President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on January 24, 2004

See also

In Spanish: Garo (etnia) para niños