Imphal, Jan 10: Gaan Ngai, the major annual post festival of the Zeliangrong community of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, began in Manipur on Tuesday January 10. The seven day festival heralds the closing of the old year and arrival of the New Year.
Making of holy fire for purification of the entire community and colourful dance sequence by various dance groups representing the different Zeliangrong villages marked the formal inaugural function of the 22nd state level festival held under the aegis of Zeliangrong Union (ZU), Assam Manipur and Nagaland (AMN) in Manipur on Monday.
The state level Gaan Ngai Festival was celebrated with Manipur Chief Secretary O Nabakishore as the chief guest of the inaugural function at Ragailong Kabui village under Imphal East district. ZU (AMN) President Amu Kamei and Chairperson RH Gonmei of Manipur State Scheduled Tribe Commission (MSSTC) were the guests of honour of the inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Secretary Nabakishore observed that the celebration of the festival in the plain and hilly areas of the state look different even though there are similar traditional religious practices in both the places.
Chief Secretary also assured that the state government will continue to take up the necessary steps to promote the Gaan Ngai festival which nowadays is celebrated across the state.
Sharing a similar sentiment, ZU (AMN) President Amu Kamei and MSSTC Chairperson RH Gonmei also spoke on the occasion.
The Gaan Ngai festival of the Zeliangrong community, which comprises of Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei according to the traditions, originated at the ancient village of Makuilongdi as a revelation of God for the well being of mankind and it was originally Chaga-Ngai. The festival was celebrated across the Zeliangrong inhabited villages in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
Meanwhile Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla extended her greetings to the people of Manipur especially to the Zeliangrong community on the occasion of Gaan Ngai. She asserted that Zeliangrong community celebrates the biggest and one of the oldest indigenous festivals of the community “Gaan Ngai”. Let us ring in a new year full of hope and aspiration with Gaan Ngai showering peace and harmony upon the people of Manipur, she greeted. Chief Minister O Ibobi has also greeted the people of Manipur especially the Zeliangrong people on the occasion of Gaan Ngai. “I hope that the festival will strengthen the bond of brotherhood and oneness among all sections of the people in the State”, Ibobi conveyed.
