Dimapur, Jan. 17 (EMN): Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB) encompassing states of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, has conveyed greetings to the Zeliangrong Nagas community on the occasion of "Chakan Ganhngai" festival, which is set to commence from January 19. The event would be celebrated for five days.
According to a statement from the ZB, Chakan Ganhngai is the biggest post-harvest festival that depicts the significance and eventful era of "Amangh Zouhluhmei" (feast of all living beings at the house of Lord Amangh, the patriarch of mankind on earth).
The statement mentioned the ancient believe which says that man and tiger competed on who could ignite fire during feast of merit, during which man won—humans ignited fire with bamboo flint from wooden log. Lord Amangh, who built the first Taraeng or Ahongyum (ceremonial painted house), blessed mankind to rule over the world with the discovery of fire, the release said.
“Literally, it is a festival of light of the autumnal season of the year which further signifies the power of fire, light, and victory over evils,” read the statement issued by the festival organising committee.
Explaining that the festival began with "Mairapmei" or fire making which signify the central theme of Gaan-Ngai since time immemorial, the note stated that, traditionally, every household extinguished the year-long fire from each hearth and acquire new fire for the following new year.
