Governor, CM, others send Gaan-Ngai greetings
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 14 2022:
In connection with the celebration of Gaan-Ngai, a post-harvest festival of the Zeliangrong tribes which also marks the beginning of the new year, Governor La Ganesan, chief minister N Biren Singh and various civil bodies extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur, the Zeliangrong community in particular.
In his message, Guv Ganesan acknowledged that the Zeliangrong people celebrate Gaan-Ngai, a 'festival of winter season' for paying obeisance and homage to those departed souls who left this temporal world in the year before.
He also said that the festival symbolises bidding adieu to the old year gone by and heralding a new year, full of hope and aspiration.
"I am also happy to know that one positive development over the years is that the festival along with its religious fervour has become a major cultural event of not only the Zeliangrong community but other communities as well", he noted and urged that the spirit of friendship and brotherhood be maintained with traditional gaiety and devotion and ring in the new year for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.
Meanwhile, chief minister Biren wished that the festival brings happiness and prosperity to the people of the state.
He also said that Gaan-Ngai is the biggest cultural and religious post-harvest festival of Zeliangrong people and marks the beginning of the New Year.
"During the festival, the community offers thanksgiving to Tingkao Ragwang (Supreme God) for good harvest and prays for the well-being in the coming year", he added.
He then prayed that for spread of the message of unity, love and brotherhood amongst the communities in the state through this festival.
All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) also extended greetings and wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai festival.
In a statement, AMUCO said that the festival is an important indigenous festival of Kabui community, who offer prayers while remembering their forefathers.
The festivaL also upholds the tradition of Pakhangfal & Lelsafal, which impart valuable lessons of life to the teens.
The present and future generations need to understand this traditional value while celebrating the festival, AMUCO said while praying that the festival may bring prosperity, welfare and peace in the state.
Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) and All Manipur Ethnical Socio cultural Organisation (AMESCO) also extended their warm greetings to the people of the state, the Kabui community in particular, on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai festival.
In separate releases, they wished that the Gaan-Ngai celebration bring hope, prosperity, wealth, peace, unity and love amongst the indigenous communities of the state.
Meanwhile, AMESCO, in a release, announced that it will hold its yearly Gaan-Ngai celebration on January 16 at Hiyangthang Kabui village.