Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 07 2009:
CHIEF MINISTER of Manipur, Okram Ibobi has conveyed his heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur, specially to the Zeliangrong brethren on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai festival which falls on January 9 .
In his message of greetings, the Chief Minister conveyed that Gaan Ngai one of the principal festivals of the Zeliangrong community is a celebration of the winter season after harvest.
He hoped that "in the celebration of Gaan Ngai, we imbibe the message of peace, friends and forgiveness among ourselves".
President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Gaikhangam has also greeted the people of Manipur particularly the Zeliangrong brethren on the occasion of the Gaan Ngai festival.
In his message, Gaikha-ngam said that the Gaan Ngai festival has been celebrated by the Kabui (Zeliangrong) community commencing from the 13th day of Wakching annually since time immemorial and this year the festival falls on January 9, Friday.
The festival reminds us of the commencement of using fire by producing holy flame through friction, then bringing light and civilized life, Gaikhangam said and hoped that the festival would give new lights to the wisdom of the people and usher in an era of cordiality, love, presperous and peaceful life.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Manipur, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh, Janata Dal (United) etc have also conveyed their heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the Gaan Ngai festival.