Gangte Gospel centenary celebration
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Chiengkonpang (CCpur), December 14 2012: Commemorating the 100 years of embracing Christianity, thousands of people from Gangte community participated in the Gangte Gospel Centenary celebration that kicked-off yesterday evening at Chiengkonpang in Churachandpur district.

The four-day celebration, marked by enthusiasm, has attracted thousands of believers from all over Manipur.

Setting the historic celebration into motion, beating of centenary gong was the highlight of today's programme.

Led by senior most Pastor T Selluoi and Church elders of the community, the centenary gong was belted hundredth times.

Presentation of Halleuijah Chorus by 500-strong Centenary Choir and songs from various centenary choir groups was another attraction of the programme.

Prelude to the start of the congregation, releasing of 'vapal' by Elder L S Gangte, Chairman, Gangte Christian Gospel Centenary Committee and Rev K Mawia, Secretary and release of hundred numbers of balloon, marking the historic hundredth year, were other highlights of the day-long programme on the second day of the celebration.

Priests/pastors releasing balloons & Doves to mark the Gangte gospel centenary celebration

The centenary celebration is being attended by more than 5000 people.

Earlier, the centenary torch rally that was set off from Saichang, about 150-km away from Churachandpur, was received rousing welcome by the public, and centenary torch procession was taken out around the town shouting 'glory to God in the highest' .

A 2-hour documentary film based on Gangte culture, tradition and belief, covering 2000 years old Gangte history was also arranged for public viewing.

Christianity came to Gangte region (Gangte Biel) in 1912.Saichang in Henglep Sub-division of Churachandpur district was the first destination in Gangte Biel to have received the good news of the gospel.

Evan Thangvang and Evan Damsuok were the pioneer missionaries, with 11 converts of Saichang village in 1912 as the first Gangte Christians.

Admittedly, the coming of Christianity amongst the Gangte community has made a transforming effect in all walks of life.

The Christianity - the religion that they embraced 100 years ago has transformed the community from 'animism' to a Christian tribe today.

The significant part of the centenary celebration will be marked by mass reading of Gangte Holy Bible, attempting Limca Book of World Records to be held on December 16 .

The event is to be participated by more than 5000 believers, with Maniram Sharma, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, Churachandpur and LM Haokip, IPS, Supt of Police, Churachandpur attending as observers.

Mention may be made here, that four persons have written the whole of Gangte Holy Bible with their hands as part of the Gangte Gospel Centenary.

They are Mrs Mawithangkim of New Lambulane, Imphal; Paubik of K Laitui, Sadar Hills; Mrs Tinglalchoi of Chiengkonpang, Churachandpur and Miss Chongneizo of Langvon in Churachandpur district.