Gaan-Ngai date controversy continues to shroud the air
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 09 2013:
The Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Chabon Phom and the State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee, Manipur have asserted that the Gaan-Ngai festival falls on January 25 this year striking down the assertion of Zeliangrong Cultural Council that earlier insisted celebration of Gaan-Ngai fest on Jan 24 .
In a separate statement, the Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Chabon Phom, the youth organisation of Tingkao Ragwang religion, and the State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee, Manipur strongly contested the statement of ZCC while also asserting that the festival should be celebrated on Jan 25 .
The Zeliangrong people, since the days of their forefather, count days based on lunar calendar year, said a TRC Chabon Phom (AMN) statement adding that the TRC council of the three States� Assam, Manipur and Nagaland collectively observed Gaan-Ngai festival on the 13th day of Gaan Bhu (Wakching) .
January 24 and 25 are the same day of Gaan Bhu (13th day of Wakching) which interpolated due to lunar cycle of the month, the TRC statement reasoned.
It added that full moon of Gaan Bhu (Wakching) always falls on the 3rd day of Gaan-Ngai in which every Zeliangrong villages celebrate for many years.
Expressing regret over the statement made by ZCC through local papers about the festival falling on Jan 24, the TRC also urged the ZCC to be aware and seek the views and ideas of the people before making such public statements.
At the same time, the TRC Phom has also extended warm Gaan-Ngai greetings to the people of the State.
Meanwhile, the State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee, Manipur has asserted that January 25 as Gaan-Ngai festival this year received approval of both the Government and Kangleipak Calendar Board.
As such, the festival would be celebrated on Jan 25, the SLGCC asserted.