Garos – the community with distinctive culture and lifestyle

The Garos are one of the most familiar indigenous communities of Bangladesh living in the hilly areas of the country, famous mostly for their distinctive culture and versatile lifestyle.   Besides Bangladesh, they are mostly found in hilly areas of India. The Garos are one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world.

A substantial number of Garos, about 200,000 are found in greater Mymensingh (Tangail, Jamalpur, Sherpore, Netrakona, Mymensingh) and Gazipur, Rangpur, Sunamgonj, Sylhet, Moulovibazar district of Bangladesh.

The Garos are one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world. The individuals take their clan titles from their mothers. Traditionally, the youngest daughter (nokmechik) inherits the property from her mother. Sons leave the parents' house, and are trained in the village bachelor dormitory (nokpante).

After getting married, the man lives in his wife's house. Garos are only a matrilinear society, but not matriarchal. While property of Garo's is owned by the women, the men folk govern the society and domestic affairs and manage the property. This gives a solid security to the Garo women folk.

Among the Garos in Bangladesh, six language varieties are spoken: A'tong, Abeng, Brak, Chibok, Dual, and Megam. Together these are all called the Mandi language.

They are well-known for their colorful and versatile ornaments, which are worn by both men and women, and include elbow rings, conch shells, earrings, beads, ivory and bangles. Generally the Garo are farmers, raising livestock such as ducks, deer, pigs and goats, but rice is the main ingredient in their diet. Bamboo shoots are considered a delicacy by the Garo and they also enjoy crab, fish and prawn.

Generally one finds the similar type of arts and architecture in the whole of Garo Hills. They normally use locally available building materials like timbers, bamboo, cane and thatch. Garos have some different types of establishments for their living and other purposes. 

Nokmong is the house where every A'chik household can stay together. This house is built in such a way that inside the house, there are provisions for sleeping, hearth, sanitary arrangements, kitchen, water storage, place for fermenting wine, the raised platform serves as hencoop for keeping fowl and for storing firewood, thus every need being fully provisioned for in one house.

The house where unmarried male youth or bachelors live is called Nokpante. Nokpantes are generally constructed in the front courtyard of the Nokma, the chief. The art of cultivation, various arts and cultures, and different games are also taught in the Nokpante to the young boys by the senior boys and elders.

In certain areas, in the rice field or orchards, small huts are constructed. They are called Jamsireng or Jamdap. Either the season’s fruits or grains are collected and stored in the Jamsreng or it can be used for sleeping.

 The small house, a type of miniature house, built in the jhum fields is called Jamadal or ‘field house’. In certain places, where there is danger from wild animals, a small house with ladder is constructed on the treetop. This is called Borang or ‘house on the treetop’.

The Garos are very much festive community. Their common and regular festivals are connected with agricultural operations.

Greatest among Garo festivals is the Wangala, usually celebrated in October or November, is thank-giving after harvest in which Saljong, the god who provides mankind with Nature’s bounties and ensures their prosperity, is honored. Other festivals: Gal·mak Goa, Agalmaka, etc.

Beautiful Garo girls known as nomil and handsome young men pante take part in 'Wangala' festivals. The pantes dance with the beat of long drum called dama in groups and play bamboo flute. The 'nomils, with colorful costumes, dance to the tune of dama' and folk songs in a circle. 

Though Christmas is basically a religious celebration, in Garo Hills the month of December is a great season of celebration. The celebration is featured by worship, dance, merry-making, grand feasts and social visits. 

Their main occupation is farming, and many of them farm as day laborers. Known for their integrity and hard-working spirit, Garos are also commonly employed by local NGOs. Some also work in government offices, medical centers, and schools. About 80% of them are at least somewhat literate, and the number of Garos attaining higher education is increasing day by day.