Imphal, January 12: Gaan-ngai - the grandest annual festival of Zeliangrong community formally began with pomp and traditional fervour at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre today.

Opening ceremony of the State level celebration organised by All Zeliangrong Arts and Cultural Organisation (Azaco) was held with MLA Z Mangaibou and general secretary of Zeliangrong Religious Council Chaoba Kamson as the chief guest and functional president respectively while social activists Amrik singh Pahwa, Anoubam Rajen, Gaibon Kamei and general secretary of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak (TRC) M Leirenjao graced the occasion as the guests of honour.

Offering of �holy wine� and lighting of celebration lamp with the sacred fire produced in the traditional manner marked the start of the festival at BOAT where Zeliangrong people in large number and of all ages converged.

Appreciating the State Government for granting recognition to the customary celebration of the Zeliangrongs, the chief guest described as fortunate the opportunity provided by the State to exhibit the traditionally rich and vibrant custom of the community to other entities.

Mangaibou, who had embraced Christian faith when he attained 12/13 years, shared his childhood experiences of family elders religiously advocating and celebrating Gaan-Ngai festivities.

Zeliangrong tribes are not only the second largest community of Manipur after the Meiteis, but adds to the richness of the State�s multi-ethnic societal composition, he said and affirmed that in the absence of Zeliangrong or any other community Manipur�s shine and gloss would be dimmer.

The chief guest called upon the people, cutting across religious barriers to contribute their might towards promotion of peace and tranquillity in the State.

In his address, Amrik Singh Pahwa desired that the people advocate forget and forgive principle as weeding out feeling of enmity that might had cropped up due to circumstantial constraints is the only way to strengthen bond of oneness amongst various communities.

Highlighting that India is making huge strides towards economic self-sufficiency compared to Manipur still stuck in the quagmire of law and order and under-development, he desired that inspite of multi-pronged problem besetting Manipur the people should make relentless efforts in bridging the economic disparity.

he also presented shawls and carry-bags to the festival organisers.

Speaking on the occasion, Anoubam Rajen pointed out similarity between Meiteis and Kabuis pertaining to religious and traditional practices followed since time immemorial.

Presenting the presidential address, Chaoba Kamson recalled indelible effort and contribution of former Minister Prof Gangmumei Kamei resulting in recognition and subsequent declaration of Gaan-Ngai festival as a State holiday.

Meanwhile, Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) conveying of �Chakan Gaan-Ngai/Chaga Ngi� being celebrated by Zeliangrong people of the North Eastern India also informed that the celebration was marked by traditional gaiety, sports and religious rites in accordance with the rich legacy of ancestors and their glorious past.

Under the aegis of ZU a symbolic Gaan-Ngai festival celebration was held at Zeliangrong House, imphal with traditional practices of �ginger dedication� (gucheng phaihmei), �reading pigs� splint� (gakpai jaomei) and offering of sacred wine to the almighty (zoupan keimei) administered by Tarung Khullakpa Pou Gaichunglung Panmei followed by igniting of sacred fire (maih lapmei) by Pou Bikram Golmei of Sawombung-Sairem and blowing of fire (maihlamei) by ZU, imphal Zone chairman Pou R Chandra Haomei, said a release.

Speeches on the festival, group songs and presentation of cultural items were the other highlight of the celebration, it added.

Among others vice president of Zeliangrong Cultural Council Pou Paijairung Thaimei, ZU vice president Pou Adi Riamei, representatives of Amuco, AZSU, ZSUM, ZFY, KMA and many prominent social workers attended the function.

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