Gaan Ngai celebrated with religious fervour at Naorem
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 13 2014 :
The State level Gaan-Ngai celebration�a ritualistic festival of Zeliangrong people who professed indigenous Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak religion� was held today at Naorem Kabui village in Bishnupur district amidst religious fervour.
The grand celebration programme, organised by the State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee, Manipur, began with extraction of sacred fire, ho-hoing and offering of wine to Tingkao Ragwang deity and lighting of the festival torch by the chief guest.
The programme was graced by MLA N Loken and Vice-President of UCM, Kh Chandramani Khuman as the chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, MLA N Loken called on all concerned to strive to live in peace and maintain communal harmony with the celebration of Gaan-Ngai.
Kh Chandramani stressed on the need to protect and preserve the age-old culture while urging all concerned to join hands towards this end.
Gaan Ngai, the biggest festival of the Zeliangrongs, is celebrated at a time when the granaries are full, the landscape is dry and the whole villagers are free from agricultural works.
People invoke god and honour the dead during the festival.
Meanwhile, the festival was also celebrated at various villages where Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak is practised across the State.