Manipur's post-harvest festival Gaan-Ngai festival kicks off with vibrancy and enthusiasm

The Gaan-Ngai festival, the largest cultural and religious post-harvest celebration of the Zeliangrong community, began with grandeur and enthusiasm today in various regions of Manipur. The festival, marked by vibrant cultural performances and age-old rituals, brings people together in celebration of unity and tradition.  

Chief Minister N Biren Singh, attending the state-level Gaan-Ngai celebration at Sagolband Ramji Kabui Village under Imphal West, extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of Manipur. The event featured mesmerizing cultural performances, with men and women, as well as youth, gathering to celebrate.  

Addressing the gathering, Biren emphasized the importance of Gaan-Ngai as a significant festival for the Zeliangrong people, an ancient tribe of Manipur. He extended his best wishes to the community for a successful festival.  

“The Gaan-Ngai Festival is central to the Zeliangrong community, and it is my pleasure to celebrate this event at the state level with all of you. I also encourage the idea of hosting the festival at Sangai Ethnic Park from next year, a place that symbolizes the diverse heritage of Manipur,” Biren stated.  

The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the substantial development in Tamenglong, once one of the most underdeveloped districts of Manipur. He pointed to improvements in infrastructure, health services, and water supply, attributing the positive changes to the state government’s initiatives.  

Biren announced plans for a permanent mall at Sangai Ethnic Park, with a proposal for Rs 100 crore from the central government under consideration. He stressed the importance of collective efforts and unity across all communities to face challenges and issues in the state.  

“Let us unite as one community to address the challenges our state faces,” Biren appealed.  

In his message, MLA Dinganglung Gangmei of Nungba AC extended his warm wishes to the Zeliangrong community and the people of Manipur. He expressed hope that the Gaan-Ngai festival would mark a new beginning of peace, joy, and unity for the state.  

Asinpu Gangmei, a social worker from the Zeliangrong community, also emphasized the significance of the festival in bringing a fresh start and healing the state, which has been affected by ethnic tensions. He called for dialogue between conflicting communities to restore peace and normalcy.  

Gaan-Ngai, which lasts for five days, signifies the closing of the old year and the arrival of the new one, carrying hopes for peace and prosperity.