From Alex Guite
LAMKA, December 14: The Gangte Gospel Centenary cerebration kicked off today at Chiengkonpang in Churachandpur amidst cheers from more than nine Gangte`s denomination churches which constitutes the organising committee of the celebration.
The event commemorating the 100th year of Christianity, which will end on 16 December, 2012 was declared open by beating of a centenary gong. The gong was belted hundredth times, led by senior most Pastor T Selluoi and church elders of the community. Presentation of Halleuijah chorus by 500-strong centenary choir and songs from various centenary choir groups was also another attraction of the program. In fact, the much awaited centenary torch from Saichang reached Chiengkonpang last night which was received with pomp and grandeur by more than 100 of Gangte church leaders.
More than 10000 believers from the Gangte community are expected to attend the celebration hall each day. More than 20 delegates from Tripura and delegates from Shillong also came for the occasion. One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the releasing of a hydrogen gas filled balloon and three white doves which symbolize peace and goodwill.
As it has been highlighted before in the Free Press, a documentary based on the history of the Gangte legends were shown last night at the torch welcoming ceremony. Some of the highlight of the celebration will be an attempt to include the feat of the Gangte Bible non stop mass reading in the Limca Book of World Record. Mr. Gin Gangte who is instrumental in highlighting of the program confided that the record was never attempted before and so the problem of competition for the record is minimal and they will hopefully create history which could be a benchmark for others.