Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 21:
Marked by exchange of gifts, the biggest festival of the Kabui ethnic group Gaan-Ngai was celebrated together with volunteers of the All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) at Konthoujam Kabui Khul Mamang Leikai.
The celebration was opened with presentation of cultural dances by the village youths.
This was followed by exchange of gifts between AMESCO functionaries and village chief and elders of the Konthoujam Kabui Khul.
Later, the hosts and the guests shared a feast signifying the age-old fraternal bond among the people of Manipur.
Among others, the celebration was attended by the father of social workers Thounaojam Iboyaima, AMESCO president LS Guite, AMUCO advisor Dhanabir Laishram, human rights activist Phulindro Konsam, MEPWAK president Keinahanbi, AMAWOVA advisor Leirangton, pradhan of Konthoujam Gram Panchayat Heisnam Manisana, chief of Leimapokpam Kairen village Poudetlung, National Research Centre president Sotin, Gangmumei Kamei and Tompok Kamei as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, Th Iboyaima observed that considering the existing precarious situation of Manipur, it's time to bury all the sore incidents of the past and to unite together.
He reminded that the ethnic groups of Manipur were living together in harmony for centuries.
Asserting that Manipur does not belong to a single community or ethnic group, Phulindro Konsam exhorted mutual cooperation and collective efforts to build up a new Manipuri nation.
AMESCO president LS Guite said, "each one us irrespective of ethnicity or religious affiliation should participate in the festivals of other communities and ethnic groups together and also in their woes and sorrows".
It is under this principle that the AMESCO has been participating in the festivals of different ethnic groups, said Guite.