Garo Cultural Museum
The Garo Cultural Museum, also known as the District Museum, is a vital institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Garo tribe, the indigenous inhabitants of the region. Established in August of 1989, the museum serves as an important repository of artifacts, traditional tools, weapons, ornaments, and historical documents that chronicle the life, history, and customs of the Garo people. The collection includes items related to traditional Garo agriculture, such as tools used for jhum (shifting) cultivation, musical instruments like the Dama (drum) and Adil (flute), and various types of traditional costumes and intricately woven textiles. One of the most significant sections is the display of traditional Garo jewelry, which often features unique designs and materials. Additionally, the museum houses historical objects from the colonial era and archaeological findings, including terracotta plaques from the ancient site of Bhaitbari. It also features replicas of traditional Garo houses (known as Nok). The museum plays a crucial educational role, offering researchers and visitors a deep insight into the anthropological and historical context of the Garo Hills. Though small in infrastructure, the museum's carefully curated collection is an invaluable resource for understanding the identity and traditions of the community.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours:Place Type:
Cultural/Historical/Educational:Entry Fees:
Entry Fee for Indians:
The: entry fee for Indian citizens is typically a very nominal amount, usually around INR 10-20 per person. This low cost is set to encourage local visitors and students to engage with ...Entry Fee for Indians:
The: entry fee for Indian citizens is typically a very nominal amount, usually around INR 10-20 per person. This low cost is set to encourage local visitors and students to engage with their heritage. The entry fee is essential for funding the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the exhibits and the building structure.
Entry Fee for Foreigners:
The: fee for foreign tourists may be slightly higher, often in the range of INR 50-100, as is common practice in government-run Indian museums.
Camera/Photography Fee:
There: may be a separate fee for carrying and using a camera inside the museum, which can range from INR 50-100. This fee helps to manage the use of flash photography, which can damage old artifacts.
Student Discounts:
Students: with valid ID cards often receive a further discounted or sometimes free entry, fulfilling the museum's educational mandate.Timing:
Regular Timings:
The: museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays (Tuesday to Saturday). It is generally closed on Mondays and all public/government holidays. Check locally for exact openin...Regular Timings:
The: museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays (Tuesday to Saturday). It is generally closed on Mondays and all public/government holidays. Check locally for exact opening days.
Ideal Visit Time:
The: Ideal Visit Time is the late morning (10:30 AM to 1:00 PM), when it is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and contemplative viewing of the artifacts. Avoid the hour just before closing time.
Lunch Break:
Some: small museums may close for a brief lunch break around 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM; confirm this locally.Special Events:
Wangala Festival Exhibition (November) While: the main Wangala festival (the 100 Drums Festival) takes place in Asanang (15 KMS from Tura), the museum often hosts a special exhibition in November to coincide with the festival. This exhibition highlights the costumes, drums,...Wangala Festival Exhibition (November) While: the main Wangala festival (the 100 Drums Festival) takes place in Asanang (15 KMS from Tura), the museum often hosts a special exhibition in November to coincide with the festival. This exhibition highlights the costumes, drums, and rituals associated with this major harvest festival, making it a significant Special Event.
Local Art and Craft Workshops:
The: museum sometimes hosts small workshops or demonstrations by local Garo artisans on traditional weaving, bamboo crafting, or wood carving. These are often advertised locally.Best Photo Spots:
The Traditional Jewelry Display:
The: intricate designs and unique materials of the traditional Garo ornaments, often displayed under focused lighting, offer a fantastic photo opportunity showcasing the tribe's artistry.
Read MoreThe Traditional Jewelry Display:
The: intricate designs and unique materials of the traditional Garo ornaments, often displayed under focused lighting, offer a fantastic photo opportunity showcasing the tribe's artistry.
Replica of the Traditional Nok House:
Photographing: the model or replica of the traditional stilt-based Garo house is a great way to capture the unique architectural style and social structure of the tribe.
Key Artifacts and Weapons Display:
Capture: close-ups of specific, visually striking artifacts, like an old ceremonial drum or a traditional warrior's shield and spear, to document the material culture of the Garo people.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Engaging with Artifacts and Exhibits:
The: main activity is a deep exploration of the museum's collection. Things to Do include reading the descriptive panels for each exhibit to understand the context of the traditional tools, weapons (like spears and shields), and agricultural implements. Focus on the evolution of Garo lifestyle.
Studying Garo Musical Instruments:
Spend: time observing the traditional Garo musical instruments displayed, such as the Dama (drum) and Adil (flute). Try to imagine the sounds these instruments make during the Wangala festival and other ceremonies.
Learning About Traditional Attire and Ornaments:
Focus: on the exhibit displaying the tr...
Information
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Why Famous:
Preservation of Garo Identity:
The: museum is famous primarily for being the central and dedicated institution for the preservation, study, and display of Garo culture and history. It holds rare and significant artifacts that are difficult t...Preservation of Garo Identity:
The: museum is famous primarily for being the central and dedicated institution for the preservation, study, and display of Garo culture and history. It holds rare and significant artifacts that are difficult to find anywhere else, making it an essential cultural landmark.
Educational and Research Hub:
It: serves as a crucial educational resource for students, researchers, and anthropologists interested in the Garo tribe, their traditions, languages, and material culture, establishing it as a famous academic and cultural hub in the Garo Hills. -
Architecture:
Exhibit Hall Layout and Design:
The: museum structure is typically a simple, state-government-run building, often single-story or multi-story, designed for utility rather than ornate design. The internal arch...Exhibit Hall Layout and Design:
The: museum structure is typically a simple, state-government-run building, often single-story or multi-story, designed for utility rather than ornate design. The internal architecture consists of multiple exhibit halls connected by corridors, with display cases and wall panels. The Dimension of the main exhibition hall is usually rectangular, perhaps 20 meters by 10 meters, designed for linear flow of visitors. Showcase of Traditional Garo Housing (Nok)
The: museum often features models or sometimes a life-size replica of a traditional Garo house (Nok). The Nok architecture is characterized by its stilt-based construction, typically made of bamboo and wood, with a thatched or tin roof. The Dimension of a replica might be around 5 meters in width and 8-10 meters in length, showcasing the communal living space, a key feature of Garo social structure.
Preservation and Display Techniques:
The: focus of the architecture is on preservation. Display cabinets are usually simple glass and wood units, designed to protect sensitive artifacts from humidity and light. Lighting is simple, often focused on the exhibits to highlight their details. -
How To Reach:
By Air:
The: nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam (approx. 220 KMS). From Guwahati, hire a taxi or take a bus to Tura.
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Near Tourist Places:
Tura Baptist Church (Approx. 0. 5 KMS), Tura Market (Approx. 1 KMS), Tura Science Centre (Approx. 3 KMS), Dalima Peak (Approx. 10 KMS), Garo Students' Union Hall (Approx. 1 KMS), Nokrek National Park (Approx. 38 KMS), Pelga Falls (Approx. 10 KMS), Rongbang Dare Waterfalls (Approx. 18 KMS), Chandigre Village (Approx. 29 KMS), Siju Caves (Approx. 140 KMS). :
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety Considerations:
The: museum is generally very safe. Observe basic health hygiene, and if it's a humid day, stay hydrated. Be careful not to touch the artifacts, as this can damage them.
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