Gaan-Ngai greetings extended to all
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 24 2013:
Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh have led many other individuals and social organizations in extending greetings for Gaan-Ngai festival to the people of Manipur particularly the Zeliangrong community.
In his greeting, the Governor said that Gaan-Ngai which literally means 'Festival of Winter season' is a festival of paying homage to the souls who departed the previous year.
It symbolizes the end of a year and heralding a new one.
Gaan-Ngai, which was used to be a ritualistic festibal is now becoming a cultural event of the Zeliangrong community and is being joined in by all the communities leading to strengthening of friendship and bond among the various communities.
In his message to the people, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh noted that "In enjoying a festival, the edifice of oneness gets strengthened and preservation of this bond of oneness is what the Manipuri society calls for to-day so that the glorious tradition of Manipur peaceful co-existence can be continued" .
MPCC President Gaikhangam, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, wished the people on the occasion and prayed for ushering in prosperity, harmony, peace and love with the celebration of Gaan-Ngai this year.
Naga People's Front (NPF), Manipur State has also greeted the Zeliangrong community on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai and wished all those people celebrating the Gaan Ngai to enjoy this year's event and prayed that peace and prosperity befall on the community.
Wishing all a peaceful and prosperous Gaan-Ngai, United Committee Manipur (UCM) noted that Gaan-Ngai celebration marks the day on which God had given fire/light to human beings.
Apart from Zeliangrong/ Kabui community, the festival is being celebrated and participated by people of many communities in Manipur today.
Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland), Life Watch, Manipur, etc have also greeted all the communities in the state and particularly the Zeliangrong people on the occasion of Chakan Gaan-Ngai and urged all all communities to celebrate the festival with prompt and gaiety for longevity, prosperity, success, happiness, peace and harmony in the State.
Meanwhile, in view of Gaan-Ngai celebration tomorrow, Secretary of State Level Gaan-Ngai 2013 Celebration Committee Norbert Disinang has appealed to all the organizations in Manipur not to call any bandh/strike of any kind to enable the people and all well-wishers to come and participate in the celebration.
He also appealed to all the Zeliangrong people to come to the festival dressed in their traditional attire keeping in mind the solemnity of the occasion.