Gaan-Ngai fest kicks off amid razzmatazz
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 20: The five day long post-harvest festival of the Zeliangrong community Gaan Ngai has been officially kicked-off with the State Level celebration under the aegis of Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee at the Palace Compound premises of Manipur State Shumang Leela council today.

The traditional rituals of offering indigenously brewed liquor to the omnipotent Tingkao Ragwang for abundant blessing accompanied by the impressive ceremony of making fire through attritional action and presentation of cultural dances marked the inaugural programme of the Zeliangrong community's grandest annual festival.

Folk and traditional dance underway on the first day of Gaan-Ngai, the biggest festival of the Zeliangrong communtiy at the Palace Compound premises of Manipur State Shumang Leela council

Inaugural programme of festival, also celebrated in Zeliangrong inhabited areas of Assam and Nagaland, was graced by the presence of Works Minister K Ranjit, ex-MLA Z Mangaibou and IFC Minister N Biren as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

The chief guest lit the ceremonial lamp from the sacred fire which was extracted by a group of elders of Chingmeirong Khangchu.

folk song renditions by artistes from Leishangkhong, Duigaipangjang, Hiyangthang and Chingmeirong and performances by cultural troupes of Toupun in Bishnupur district and Chingmeirong (Imphal) added fervour to the festive mood of the large gathering which arrived in their customary riches.

In his brief address, Minister Ranjit highlighted that Manipur inspite of being one of the tiniest States in the country has been able to occupy a place of its own due to the rich cultural heritage and uniqueness in composition of the society which is characterised by dwelling together of different faith and community.

Alerting the general masses to be wary of certain elements who are allegedly scheming to marginalise smaller communities, K Ranjit suggested that participation and joining together in celebrating festive occasions of all the society's denominations would be able to stave off sinister advances.

Meanwhile, at Chinikon village in Senapati district celebration of Gaan-Ngai festival began under the auspices of Students' Renaissance Unit, Chinikon.