Tura, Dec 18: The Narang Festival – organised by the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee, was held at Chibragre on Thursday drawing a large turnout and spotlighting the rich diversity and quality of organic oranges produced across the Garo Hills.
The festival featured competitive events including the Orange Eating Competition, Sweetest Orange, and Largest Orange categories. A total of 27 participants from different parts of the Garo Hills competed in the Orange Eating event, while five contestants participated in the Sweetest Orange category and six in the Largest Orange competition.
All competitions were conducted under the supervision of the organising committee. The judging panel comprised Chiku B. Marak and M.A. Sangma, with Susan Sangma serving as Digital Judge for the Sweetest Orange competition.
In the Sweetest Orange category, Tengrang A. Sangma of Oragitok emerged as the winner. The Largest Orange title was claimed by Preman D. Sangma of Gondengre village, whose orange measured an impressive 12.3 cm, drawing significant attention from the audience.
The Orange Eating Competition was won by Ezekiel A. Sangma of Duragre, while Lintubirth A. Sangma of Chibragre secured second place and Pijeng R. Marak of Chidaogre finished third.
Prize money was awarded to the winners, with the first, second and third positions in the Orange Eating Competition receiving ₹5,000, ₹3,000 and ₹2,000 respectively. Winners of the Sweetest Orange and Largest Orange categories received ₹3,000 each.
The festival also featured displays of oranges from areas including Duragre, Chachatgre and Chandigre, showcasing the wide range and superior quality of oranges grown in the region.
Speaking to HubNews, the organisers said the festival was aimed at promoting indigenous organic oranges of the Garo Hills, noting that oranges imported from other states often lack the distinctive sweetness and flavour of locally grown produce. They added that interest in orange cultivation has declined over the years, and the festival was organised to revive enthusiasm among farmers and encourage renewed plantation.
Oranges from the Garo Hills have increasingly gained recognition across the Northeast for their sweetness and rich pulp. The Horticulture Department of West Garo Hills has also been actively encouraging farmers to take up orange cultivation in view of rising demand.
Districts across West, South, East and South West Garo Hills are known for producing high-quality oranges, highlighting the region’s strong horticultural potential.
