Zeliangrong Community Celebrated Gaan Ngai Festival in Manipur

The Gaan Ngai festival, an annual post-harvest festival, is observed by the Zeliangrong Community in Manipur. Celebrated when food grains have been stored in granaries, it marks the end of the calendar year and begins with the production and distribution of new fire created by rubbing dry wood and split bamboo pieces. The community offers thanks for a successful harvest and prays for prosperity in the upcoming year. The festival is also revered by followers of Poupei Chapriak and Heraka religions. While it's typically celebrated in November or December in Assam according to the Rongmei Naga calendar, in Manipur, it's observed on the 13th day of the Manipur month of “Wakching” on the Meetei Manipur Calendar. The festival is recognized as a state holiday in Manipur.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

  1. Gaan Ngai is a major post-harvest festival of the Manipur.
  2. It marks the end of the year, following the storage of food grains in granaries.
  3. The festival involves the creation of new fire, symbolizing the beginning of the new year.
  4. It's a significant festival for followers of the Zeliangrong indigenous religion of ‘Poupei Chapriak’ and ‘Heraka’.
  5. The festival is typically celebrated in November or December in Assam and on the 13th day of the Manipur month of “Wakching” in Manipur.

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