A prominent and exquisite customary festival of Kabui community, Gaan-Ngai festival was celebrated at state level at Keishamthong Kabui Kailong, Imphal West district under the theme, ‘Spread Love Everywhere you go’ on Tuesday.
The festival is celebrated by the Kabui community living in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. The customary festival is being passed down from the earliest forefather and preliterate period of Kabui. Kabui is the stakeholder of Gaan Ngai festival, Rih-Ngai, Ne-nuh Ngai, Malengmei (Gu-dui Ngai), Gin-Ki Ngai etc., which have been observed from time immemorial. It is the non-perishable culture of Kabui.
Gaan Ngai is celebrated for five days; the first day of Gaan Ngai is called Ngai Gangmei. The Second day is called Ngai Dai, third day is Tuna Gan Ngai, the fourth day is Rongku mei/Rongluimei Ngai and the fifth day is Nap Chan Ngai. On the six day, the Kabui Village Authority (Pei Members/Thoubei) perform Customary ritual at the northern part of the village which is called Raaren Loumei.
The festival began by shouting of ‘Hoi’ a traditional ululation by elders and youths which was followed by igniting the sacred fire in traditional method.
The tradition of extraction of fire to light up a bonfire is performed, and the fire is distributed to every household on the first day of Gaan Ngai to guard away from evil gods and for prosperity and longevity of human life with good personality.
MLA, Thongam Shanti as chief guest of the function said relationship between Kabui and Meitei has sustained since time immemorial. Even the relationship of Kabui and Meitei is highlighted in the famous ‘Moirang Kangleirol’, he said.
In Moirang Kangleirol, one Kabui priest ‘Kabui Salang Maiba’ took a major role, he said. The people of the present should be aware of the relationship between Kabui and Meitei which is also related to Manipuri culture.
He added that the present generation should remember the identity of Kabui Salang Maiba. If the indigenous communities of Manipur are united, then no outsiders will be able to disintegrate the identity of Manipur, he said.
President of Kabui Union Manipur K Heera Kabui said Gaan-Ngai is a Kabui language. In Kabui language, Ganmei means light and Ngaimei means festival, from the two words ‘Gaan Ngai’ was formed which means ‘festival of light’, he added.
Every indigenous people should promote their culture so that the culture remains as their identity, he added. Kabui Union, Kabui Customary Council, Manipur and Pei, Keishamthong Kabui jointly wished everyone irrespective of caste and creed for peace and prosperity of the state.
