Gaan Ngai celebration begins with fanfare
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 31 2017: Gaan Ngai, which is one of the biggest festivals of the Zeliangrong community in the State, was celebrated today with fanfare at the State level on its opening day at Ngarian (Reangzang) in Churachandpur district today.

Organised by the State Level Gaan Ngai Celebration Committee, the five-day festivities saw the presence of several dignitaries of the State.

On the grand opening day, Chairman, Hill Areas Committee T Thangzalam Haokip (Henglep A/C MLA), Pouchalung Kamei (Khullakpa of Ngariyan), Ph Chingkhudunpou (Khullakpa of Chinikom) and Makukonpou Kamei (leader, Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak) attended the event as the chief guest and presidium members respectively.

Gaan Ngai celebration begins with fanfare

Vice Chairperson (Manipur State Disaster Management Authority) Adim Patmei and Athuan Abonmei (president, Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam, Nagaland arnd Manipur) and UNC's Committe for Alternative Arrangement chairman Asinpou Gangmei were also present as the guest of honour and special guests respectively.

The programme was officially opened with the oblation of holy wine, which was followed by a traditional music and dance programme this morning.

Speaking as the chief guest, Chairman of the Hills Area Committee T Thangzalam Haokip expressed his pleasure over celebration of a State-level Gaan Ngai festival in Ngariyan that falls under his Assembly constituency, Henglep and informed that it was even more delightful that this was the first time that he was taking part in the festival.

While maintaining that the festival was mainly organised by friends and neighbours in the past and it was hard for him to take part in the festivity earlier, TT Haokip conveyed his best wishes to the Zeliangrong people and all the citizens of the State on this auspicious day of the Zeliangrong community.

Meanwhile, the 23rd State Level Gaan Ngai was also held today at the Zeliangrong Union office at Paona Bazaar today together where villagers, elders and members of ZCC and SLGCC assembled together as early as 4am and this was followed by customary rituals.

Amu Kamei, president, ZU gave the welcome address while Chandra Haomei, vice president ZU, gave the welcome address.

The event concluded with a Gaan Ngai feast at the ZU office.