ZU (AMN), UNACSU greet on Gaan-Ngai 2023
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 03 2023:
On behalf of the Zeliangrong people, Zeliangrong Union (ZU)-Assam, Manipur & Nagaland (AMN) president Azang Rongmei has extended warmest greetings to all the people living in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai 2023.In a release, the ZU (AMN) president stated that Gaan-Ngai is the biggest festival of the Zeliangrong tribes of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland celebrated for five days after completion of the harvest of the year, around the winter season.
This festival heralds the closing of old year and arrival of New Year.
Gaan-Ngai is celebrated by all the non-Christian villages of Zeliangrong tribes namely Liangmei, Rongmei, Kabui, Inpui, etc., living in the three states.
ZU (AMN) continued that the festival included various rites and features, such as prayer, worship, fasting, singing, dancing, games and sports including long jump, high jump, shot-put, wrestling, bull catching, pig catching, felicitation dance in honour of living persons and farewell dance for those who passed away.
However, the most important feature of Gaan-Ngai is the observance of silence and fasting by the unmarried youth from early dawn till evening as a rite of self-purification, the making of 'Holy Fire (new fire)' for purification and prosperity for the entire community and congregational prayer of 'Hoi', it also added.
ZU (AMN) further wished people of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland that the Gaan-Ngai festival brings peace, prosperity and all round development.
Meanwhile, United All Communities Social Up-Lifters, Kangleipak (UNACSU) extended Gaan Ngai greetings and prayed for peace to prevail and comradeship to bind all together.
In a release, UNACSU secretary Nongthombam Gobin pointed out that indigenous people of Manipur are known for their extraordinary culture, distinctive lifestyles, and belief systems and festivals and of all the indigenous people in Manipur, the Kabuis are one of the most eminent communities known for their hospitality and integrity.
Gaan-Ngai is a sacred festival that is being celebrated with universal love and it stands as a synonym of dance, feast, music and spiritual rituals celebrated in the winter season.
After all, the festival of Gaan-Ngai signifies the spirit of communal unity, strength, peace, harmony, love, and prosperity, he added.