IMPHAL, January 22: The cultures and traditions of the different communities residing together enrich the State, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said at the inaugural function of the State-level Gaan-Ngai 2016 celebration today.
The state-level function was held at the Changangei Kabui Khul.
Gaan-Ngai a festival of the Zeliangrong community showcases the beauty of the Manipuri culture to the outside world, and without the Gaan-Ngai festival the famed Manipuri culture would be incomplete, Gaikhangam said.
Manipur is known as the land of festivals and festivities. Every community residing in both the hills and the valley of the State have their own colourful festivals celebrated every month, he said.
He said there must be no other place where major festivals come every month throughout the year.
These festivals help in bringing unity among the people, he said.
Gaikhangam said Gaan Ngai is the biggest annual post-harvest festival of the Zeliangrong community and this festival heralds a new year while bidding adieu to the old year.
The State is known for its unique cultures and traditions, he said.
Manipur`™s importance in the tourist circuit is gaining more and more popularity by the day, he said adding that foreign tourists visiting the country want to visit the State.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh several developmental works are being undertaken in the State with the objective of bringing a balanced development throughout the State, he said.
Ultimately, Manipur will be a prosperous and developed State, he observed.
Development of Manipur is for all, which all communities need to understand, he added.
Gaikhangam further wished the people of Manipur happiness, prosperity, unity, love, peace and brotherhood.
Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai Devi also urged the people of all the different communities to unite and help each other so as to strengthen the State.
She further wished the Gaan-Ngai festival to bring peace, harmony, tranquillity and integrity among the communities of the State.
Saikot MLA TN Haokip said the festival is one of the most popular festivals of the State.
He continued that upholding one`™s tradition, festival, art & culture is the greatest of all endeavours.
Hill Area Committee, vice-chairman, Z Kikhonbou Newmai said organising the festival on a larger platform will bring the unity and brotherhood among the different communities.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam had also inaugurated a community hall and a Nishabandh Shanglen at the village.
The formal inaugural of the function was marked by the `making of the holy fire`™ for purification of all the communities residing in the State and colourful performances by cultural dance troupes representing various Zeliangrong villages.