Gaan Ngai festival of Kabui, not Zeliangrong: AMKWO
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 25 2021:
All Manipur Kabui Women's Organisation has condemned the Gaan Ngai greetings released by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on January 23 .
The greetings released by MPCC had cited 'Gaan Ngai' as a harvest festival of 'Zeliangrong' tribe, which is not true, claimed a statement issued by the organisation.
The statement claimed that there is no Zeliangrong tribe and they are also not recognised by the Constitution of India unlike 'Kabui' which is recognised and found mention in the Constitution of India since 1950 .
Gaan Ngai is not a harvest festival but it is a customary festival when a bonfire is lit in front of 'Kangchu' and the fire is distributed to every family which uses it to start a fire in their kitchen and it is believed to bring prosperity, good health and peace, added the statement.
The organisation demanded an apology from MLA Govindas Konthoujam and Hareshwar Goswami for their greetings.
All Manipur Kabui Women's Organisation also said that Gaan Ngai is a Kabui word/dialect, Gaan meaning light and Ngai meaning festival and is in no way related to 'Zeliangrong' .
The organisation also urged the people to respect and love one's community and not misguide Kabui identity.