ZU, ZCC call for low-key Gaan-Ngai festival
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 11 2024:
Ahead of the Gaan-Ngai, the grandest festival of the Zeliangrong community on January 23, Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland) and Zeliangrong Cultural Council (ZCC) have issued a joint appeal to people of Zeliangrong community residing in the state to celebrate the festival in a restrained manner, considering the current volatile situation and imposition of night curfew in the valley districts.
The organisations called for a sombre celebration, taking into account of the challenges faced and as a mark of solidarity with those affected by the ethnic conflict.
Zeliangrong Union and ZCC specifically requested village authorities to refrain from organising lively events such as folk dances, festival song competitions, traditional drum performances, cracking jokes, and any other entertainment activities in connection with celebration of the festival.
This decision is made to express empathy and sorrow for the families who have lost their loved ones in the recent ethnic conflicts, they said.
While advocating for a low-key celebration, the two organisations emphasised the importance of performing the ritual and customary activities associated with the Gaan-Ngai festival.
These activities are dedicated to Almighty God Haipou Tingkao Ragwang and other lower realm gods, seeking their blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the village community.