RPF sends Gaan-Ngai greetings
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 05 2012:
The proscribed RPF has greeted the Kabui community in Manipur and outside on the occasion of Chakaan Gaan-Ngai.
In a message issued by the outfit's publicity secretary T Leisemba, the outfit remarked that the Gaan-Ngai festival sustains and carry on the tradition and philosophy of Kabui community.
In addition to keeping alive the Kabui tradition and customs, the festival carries a message of peaceful co-existence with other indigenous communities.
One prominent part of Gaan-Ngai festival is the Napkaomei during which the blessing of the Almighty Tingkao Ragwang is invoked to ensure a healthy and abundant cropping season.
The underlying essence of the festival is seeking the Almighty's blessing for economic security and prosperity for all, Leisemba said.
Gaan-Ngai festival is a matter of pride for all Manipuri people, he remarked.
The festival also testifies that Kabuis are one of the oldest indigenous communities of the land.
Highlighting the close ties and mixed settlement shared between Kabuis and plain people, the outfit asserted that the Kabuis have been shouldering a heavy responsibility of ensuring harmonious co-existence among different communities.
The civilizational level of Manipur would not have attained its present status without the contribution of Kabui community in the fields of culture, literature, economy and polity.
The Kabuis have been a living example for all other indigenous communities in upholding their own culture and living with pride and dignity.
Underscoring the contributions of Kabui community in the collective history and legends of Manipur, the outfit recalled Kabui Salang Maiba's reputed position in Moirang Kangleirol (Moirang Chronicle).
There is also a legend among the Kabui community that Meiteis and Kabuis descended from two brothers born to Kabui progenitor Khunthoulemba.
Moreover, the Kabui community have also gave birth to great leaders and patriots like Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu etc whose stories have formed an integral part of Manipur history.
Stating that the Manipuri society can never be complete without Kabui community, the outfit prayed that with the arrival of the New Year and Kabui community's greatest festival Gaan-Ngai the Almighty may strengthen the fraternal bond all the more and shed a new light of freedom.