Gaan-Ngai, the weeklong biggest post-harvest festival of Zeliangrong Community, kick started from today in Manipur with much zeal, rituals, prayers and dance.
The celebration marks the end of harvest season and rejoice the beginning of new harvest with thanks giving to supreme God ‘Tinkhao Rawang’ for good harvest. This festival is also recognised by Government of India as tourist festival of India.
In Manipur, the state level function was held, in presence of Manipur CM N Biren Sing as chief guest, with great fervour and cultural pride at Sagolband Ramji Kabui Village in Imphal West on 12th of January 2025.
Different Cultural troupes from the Zeliangrong community, showcased their vibrant traditional dances and rituals.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who attended the celebration, extended his warm wishes on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai. In his speech, he highlighted the festival’s significance, stating, “Gaan-Ngai is a festival celebrated from ancient times by the Zeliangrong community, an indigenous people of our state. It marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new cycle, symbolizing gratitude, purification, and unity.”
The festival witnessed the sacred rituals, that includes Mhai Lapmei- extraction of sacred fire from bamboo, symbolising purification and the start of a new year; Invocation of the supreme God-‘Tinkhao Rawang’; ‘Joujan Keikhang’ -offering of holy wine. And in addition, the vibrant ‘Hoi Laoba’ procession with chants of “Ho-Hoing,” with men and women coming together in unity to invoke blessings for the year ahead.
During the state level celebration Hills Area Committee Chairman Diphu Gangmei, said the festival will be celebrated in a very grand manner in the coming years as the CM also have suggested.
The event was graced by several Ministers and MLAs, who joined the community in celebrating this important cultural occasion. The celebration not only highlighted the rich traditions of the Zeliangrong community but also brought together people from different walks of life to share in the festive spirit.
The State Level Gaan-Ngai Festival 2025 stands as a testament to the vibrant cultural heritage of Manipur, reaffirming the deep-rooted traditions that continue to unite and inspire the people.
