Gaan-Ngai celebrated at Nambol
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 22 2016 : The post-harvest festival of Zeliangrong community, Gaan-Ngai was celebrated under the aegis of State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee, Manipur at Nambol Maipham Kabui Khul with cultural gusto and religious fervour today.

Offering of holy wine to Tingkao Ragwang, shouting of hoi, extraction of sacred fire, lighting of festival torch, presentation of traditional dances and songs were the main highlights the celebration.

Nambol AC MLA N Loken graced the celebration as the chief guest.

Speaking at the occasion, he said that people of all the communities who have been living together since time immemorial need to stand united against any internal or external force which try to disintegrate the State.

The MLA said that it is the second time that the State level Gaan-Ngai celebration had been organised in his Constituency stating that the celebration was held at Naorem last year.

Gaan-Ngai celebrated at Nambol

He wished that the festival brings peace, communal harmony and love among various communities.

Loken said that Manipur is considered as a mini India as people of around 36 different communities are residing in the State.

Maintaining that Manipur has a recorded history of 2000 years, Loken said that the State is getting disintegrated due to community centric thoughts and actions.

The MLA also urged the people to maintain unity so that peace and harmony reign.

He said that people of different communities must stand united to fight the internal and external divisive forces.

Saying that it is every unfortunate that most of the organizations in the State have two factions, N Loken said that State level Gaan-Ngai celebration is also held at two different locations � one at Nambol and another at Changangei.

He said that the celebration at Nambol was organised without any help from the State Government.

The MLA said that he would try his best to forge the two groups into one so that the State Level Gaan-Ngai celebration is organised by a single organisation at a common venue.

N Loken also urged the bigger communities not to disturb, disrespect and dishearten smaller communities.

State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee president P Samsong said that different Zeliangrong villages of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur used to celebrate Gaan-Ngai on different dates to offer prayer to Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak for peace and prosperity after harvesting crops.

However, after a series of discussion attended by the scholars from these three States at GM hall (Imphal) in 1994, it was decided to celebrate the festival on the 13th day of Wakching month of the Manipuri lunar calendar, he said.

People who worship Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak and Sanamahi at their homes started celebrating the festival at the State level from 2003 onwards.

Samsong said that indigenous people need to protect their identity, culture and tradition and follow the footsteps of their forefathers.

However, it is very unfortunate that people tend to have inclination towards the culture of superior communities although their indigenous culture is dying.

Director of Prosecution, Government of Manipur, Ng Tejkumar and social worker S Manaoton also attended the celebration as president and guest of honour respectively.

Mewnwhile, MLA Khumukcham Joykishan took part at the Gaan-Ngai celebration held at Thangmeiband Muchi Khun today.

Speaking at the occasion, the MLA wished that the festival brings togetherness, tranquility and prosperity.

He also urged to put in collective effort towards bringing development by forgetting past differences.

Meanwhile, former Patsoi AC MLA Sapam Kunjakeshwar (Keba) also participated Gaan-Ngai celebration at Sangaiprou Kabui Khun today.

Khullakpa Manglem Kamei, village minister Sanathoi Kamei and Khunbu Lungmala Maremei also graced the occasion as dignitaries.