The traditional funeral ceremony known as Mangona or Chugana is facing the risk of fading away, but there’s hope on the horizon with a government initiative in Meghalaya aimed at reviving it. Every year, the Rhythm of the Hills festival showcases the rich Garo heritage in Betasing, located in the South West Garo Hills. During the Chugana ceremony, a small bamboo hut called ‘Delang’ is set up in the courtyard of the deceased’s home. The bones of the departed are placed in an earthen pot, and after the ceremony, they are buried right at the doorstep. Once the burial is complete, guests are treated to delicious dishes of beef and pork. As the community gathers to honor the spirit of the deceased, they dance and sing throughout the night, chanting ‘Mangtata or Kalee’. The ritual dance is brought to life with the sounds of cymbals, Kimjim (reeds), Adils (horn trumpets), and the gentle strumming of a Chigring, a bamboo stringed instrument. While the Wangala dance is well-known among the locals, smaller dances like Chugana deserve a bit more attention and support to ensure they don’t vanish. That’s why the initiative by the Meghalaya government is so crucial.