'Gaan-Ngai reflects State's rich culture'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 03 2015 : Although Manipur, a multi-ethnic State is tiny, its rich cultural heritage, like its excellence in sports, has earned international recognition.

Its cultures thrive like ancient Greek civilisation.

This was stated by Dy CM Gaikhangam while addressing the State level Gaan Ngai celebration at Mahabali Namching village in Senapati district today.

The state level Gaan Ngai festival organised by the State Level Gaan Ngai Celebration Committee (SLGCC) under the aegis of Zeliangrong Union (AMN) was attended amongst others by Govindas Konthoujam, Minister, Commerce and Industries; Md Abdul Nasir, Minister, Agriculture and Fisheries; Kh Ratankumar, Minister, Works and Transport; Z Kikhonbou, Vice Chairman, Hill Areas Committee; Victor Keishing, Parliamentary Secretary, Tribal Affair and Hills; TN Haokip, MLA as the president and guests of honour respectively.

Gaikhangam and others arriving at the venue

The Dy CM said that Gaan Ngai festival is not a mere festival of the Zeliangrong community but a part of the rich cultural heritage of the State.

He urged all concerned not to overlook their respective culture and tradition as it is through the rich culture and tradition that people are known by other people.

Village Authority and youth club of Namching village submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Works Minister Kh Ratankumar regarding the bad road conditions of the area.

During his speech as the guest of honour, Kh Ratankumar assured to look into the demands raised by the villagers.

The festival was celebrated across the State with pomp and show.

The biggest festival of the Zeliangrong community, Gaan Ngai was celebrated with traditional fervour at Langthabal Chingthak.

Langthabal AC MLA Karam Shyam attended the inaugural programme of the festival as the chief guest.

The programme was attended amongst others by Finance Officer (CAF&PD), Aguang Maringmei; member of Hiyangthang ZP, Soibam Subhashchandra, pradhan of Hiyangthang GP Sh Silas.

Meanwhile, locals of Keirao Bitra under the aegis of Nongpok Ningthou Panthoibi Development Committee presented gifts to the Irilbung Kabui today on the occasion of Gaan Ngai festival.

Takhellambam Joy Meetei, Chairman of Nongpok Ningthou Panthoibi Development Committee, an apex body of Keirao Bitra presented gifts to the Irilbung Kabui Village Chief, Tomba Kabui as a token of brotherhood between the ethnic Meetei and Kabui communities.

During the gift presentation ceremony, renowned Shumang Lila artiste Keirao Rajen, Additional District Magistrate Tamenglong Salam Kunjakishore, Keirao Gram Panchayat Pradhan Mutum Romeshchandra were present.