TODAY -
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 29 2009:
Gaan-Ngai, the largest festival of the Zeliangrong community, was opened today by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi amid cultural and religious rituals.
The State level Gaan-Ngai festival organised by the State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee, Manipur at BOAT, Palace Compound was graced by Chief Minister O Ibobi as chief guest.
Gaan-Ngai is a traditional festival of the Zeliangrong community settled in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.
Usually, the festival is celebrated for five days in winter after harvesting the annual crop.
During the festival, homage is paid to the progenitors by offering sacred wine and light.
It is also a festival of merry-making in which cultural dance and music are featured unfailingly.
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Today's Gaan-Ngai celebration was opened by offering sacred wine to Tingkao Ragwang.
This was followed by yelling 'Hoi' by members of the Pongringjang United Organisation. Chaopok Khangnah Khangbon, Thoubal district lit the sacred fire by rubbing bamboo (Meiba Chingba).
After this, dance and music took over the celebration with cultural troupes coming from different districts presenting cultural dances one after another.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Chief Minister O Ibobi exulted at the arrival of Gaan-Ngai festival.
He said that Gaan-Ngai festival is a matter of pride not only for Zeliangrong community but for all the people of Manipur.
The State Government has declared general holiday on Gaan-Ngai day so that all can celebrate the age-old festival together, Ibobi stated.
If there was no such unique culture, customs and traditions, the identity of Zeliangrong community would have been lost or diluted.
As such, people should promote such festivals as Gaan-Ngai, he added.
Stating that there is no question of discrimination among different communities of Manipur, Ibobi said that all the people of Manipur are one.
The Chief Minister further expressed his desire for all communities to take part in celebrating Gaan-Ngai festival.
Today's Gaan-Ngai function was presided by Vice-Chairman of Hill Areas Committee Manipur, MLA Khangthuanang Panmei.
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HEADLINES - 30, DEC 2009
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