"Gaan Ngai belongs to Kabui community only"
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 24 2022:
Opposing any attempts to connect Gaan Ngai festival, which has been part of the culture, tradition and religion of Kabui community since time immemorial, with that of Zeliangrong; Kabui Union Manipur, Kabui Customary Council Manipur and Kabui denizens have drawn the attention of the government to ensure the festival continues to be part of Kabui community only.
Addressing a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, here, on Saturday, Kabui Youth Wing convenor M Makuning said that the Kabui community had been celebrating Gaan Ngai festival since its inception, aS chronicled in the Moirang Kangleiron and the history of Manipur.
As such, it is offensive to associate the festival with the Zeliangrong community, which came into being only in 1947 and is alien to the festival itself.
Stating that the Kabui community will not tolerate any attempts to claim the festival by those who had abandoned their original culture, religion and traditions to follow another's cultural traditions and religion; Makuning raised suspicion over the government's attempt to help organise the festival, while associating with the Zeliangrong community, as an attempt to annihilate the Kabui community.
He then urged the government to look into the matter and ensure the festival stays with the Kabui community.
Kabui Customary Council Manipur president K Gangmumei Kabui, who also attended the press meet, contended that no one can claim ownership over the Gaan Ngai festival, which is clearly an important festival of the Kabui community.
He cautioned that any neglect on part of the government on the matter could spark unwanted situations.
K Gangmumei then informed that the upcoming Gaan Ngai would be celebrated at the state-level at Keikhu Kabui khul.