Amid the increasing concern over the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, the Kabui/Rongmei community spread across Manipur, Assam and Nagaland welcomed the arrival of Gaan-Ngai Festival 2022 that ushers in great joy, cultural prosperity and harmony, as it revives the ties that bind.
Gaan-Ngai Festival is one of the biggest and most important festivals of the Kabui/Rongmei community in India. And, celebrating traditional festival of a community is one of the most important steps to safeguarding its identity, Union Minister of State, External Affairs and Education, RK Ranjan said during the celebration in Imphal on Saturday.
Speaking as chief guest of the festival organised by the State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee Manipur at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, he lauded the holding of Gaan-Ngai festival at a state level in Manipur.
“Celebrating traditional festival of a community is one of the most important steps to safeguarding its identity. As such, it is highly appreciable for organising the festival at state level,” the Union minister said.
However, RK Ranjan expressed his concerns over celebrating the festival separately as a state level festival in many parts of the state. He appealed to the people to come together and celebrate the state-level festival together at one venue.
The MP further said that there is close relation between Meitei/Meetei with Kabui community and it is proven in the history of Manipur. “Let this festival strengthen this eternal bonding and spread prosperity to every community of the state,” he added.
Regarding the memorandum submitted by the committee in connection with the welfare of the Kabui community, he assured to look into the matter.
“The function is being held in every nook and corner of the state with an objective to preserve and promote age-old traditional practices of the community,” committee spokesperson Chunkeirung Kangmei said.
He further said: “Gaan-Ngai is the biggest and most colourful festival of the Kabui/Rongmei people who follow the Kabui/Rongmei indigenous religion Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak.
“It is the festival for spreading goodwill, peace, prosperity and cultural preservation. As such with the onset of the festival let the state bring more happiness and love in the society.”
Apart from Manipur, the Gaan-Ngai Festival is celebrated in Northeast states of Assam and Nagaland in areas where the community resides. It is also celebrated in one of the small towns in Mizoram, he added.
ST Morcha president, BJP Manipur Pradesh, Lanjagai Kamei and vice-chancellor, Manipur University of Culture, Paonam Gunindro attended the function as s guests of honour.
Gaan-Ngai festival is celebrated with feasting and presentation of traditional dance, folk songs and other forms of entertainment. Dressed in different colourful traditional attires, people of all age groups take part in the delightful performances. The festival celebration last for about five days.
