Minister Vashum inaugurates Chaga Ngee festival
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, October 30 2024: Office bearers and members of Liangmai Naga Council of Eastern Zone, Manipur, dressed in their vibrant traditional attire, accorded a warm traditional-welcome to transport minister Khashim Vashum as he inaugurated the Chaga Ngee, the post-harvest festival, at Marenmai village in Senapati district on Wednesday.

Chaga Ngee, celebrated by the Liangmai Naga tribe during the lunar month of Chaga Hiu, usually in October, is a time-honoured event that brings together all ages.

This festival, a period of thanksgiving and societal purification, seeks blessings from 'Tingwang', the supreme deity, determines individual luck, and sanctifies the community and its warriors.

Recognising the festival's cultural significance, the government of Manipur declared October 30 a restricted holiday on December 2, 2021 .

Traditional fire extraction and lighting of lamp marked the beginning of the festival.

Council president R Machundoubou, who is JTC convenor, recalled in his welcome address that the festival was traditionally celebrated with rites and rituals, but since 2004, following the spread of Christianity in the region, it has been observed in a refined manner, departing from earlier pagan practices.

Former union ministers and the state's chief minister had earlier attended the occasion as chief guests, he added.

During his address as the chief guest, minister Vashum expressed joy in reconnecting with his Liangmai friends and encouraged them to take pride in their heritage, while noting that the unity within the Liangmai tribe contributes significantly to peace in state, rivalling that of larger tribes.

He praised the Liangmai Naga community as a God-fearing people, exemplifying strong family worship practices within the Christian community.

The minister also extended his thanksgiving wishes to the Liangmai community and encouraged unity and gratitude through all circumstances.

He called upon community and religious leaders to continue their invaluable efforts in promoting peace across the state.

On behalf of the chief minister, Vashum also made announcements, pledging to bring electricity to Marenmai, construct a black-topped road, and establish a hostel to support the student community in the near future.

The occasion included a special prayer led by Rev Maisongamang, pastor Ariang Baptist Church, LNBA-M, and featured folk songs and traditional dances, adding to the festival's celebratory atmosphere.

Comment