Rongmei tribe celebrates Gaan-Ngai festival

Kohima, Jan. 10: Gaan-Ngai 2017, the premier festival of the Rongmei Naga tribe was celebrated by the Rongmeis in Nagaland with great pomp and gaiety. Gaan-Ngai, the biggest festival of the Rongmei people of Manipur, Assam and Nagaland is celebrated following the harvest season. The festival lasts for five days with each day signifying certain rituals.

Organised by the Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) and hosted by the Rongmei Council Kohima (RCK), the community from Kohima, Dimapur and Peren converged together in colourful attires at Kohima local ground.

The festival was graced by MLA & Chairman of NSMDC, Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu as the chief guest and the president of Rongmei Naga Public Organisation (RNPO), Namgai Gonmei, as the special conferrer.

Stressing on the importance of preserving the Naga customary values which are diminishing in this present generation, Dr. Keditsu has appreciated the organiser in their endeavour to conserve traditional practices by way of observing the festival. He was optimistic that through this celebration, many people would better understand the significance of festival and also value one’s culture and tradition. Encouraging the gathering, Dr. Keditsu said any tribe ‘big or small’ should be united and choose good leader to reach the higher level.

Dr. Keditsu challenged the young generations to rise up and be self employed without seeking government job, which according to him has reached a saturation point.

Appreciating the Rongmei community for their hard work and self employing activities largely practice by the tribe, Dr. Keditsu urged them to teach such valuable practices to other communities too. He advised the youth to be proud of their profession whether big or small by changing the mindset.

Reminding the community on the importance of loving each other, good relationship and peaceful co-existence with others for better society, Dr. Keditsu made a clarion call to the members present to re-think and work out on the best possible ways to move ahead in this modern world.

Highlighting on the significance of the festival, RCK Advisor, Johnny Ruangmei said the festival is a post harvest thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and also invoking God’s blessings for the new- year. Gaan-Ngai, he said is celebrate together with the living and the dead. It is also a festival heralding the beginning of the New Year. He also explained in detail the significance of each day and the various rituals associated with it.

The day was marked by various competitions on cultural dance, traditional music instruments, traditional games and sports followed by Chakan Gaan-Ngai Miss Contest and bonfire.