IMPHAL, January 21: Manipur Governor V Shanmuganathan has wished the people of Manipur particularly the Zeliangrong brethren on the joyous and auspicious occasion of Gan Ngai, 2016.
The Governor’s message said the Zeliangrong community celebrates the Gaan Ngai which is the ‘Festival of Winter Season’ for paying obeisance and homage to those departed souls who left this temporal world in the year before. The festival also symbolises bidding adieu to the old year goneby and heralding a new year, full of hope and aspiration, it said.
The message continued one positive development over the years is that the festival along with its religious fervour has become a major cultural evet of not only the Zeliangrong community but of other communities as well. Though essentially an occasion of worship and devotion, it is also an occasion of making joy and merriment, the Governor said in his message.
“Let us all join the celebration of Gaan Ngai in a spirit of friendship and brotherhood with traditional gaiety and devotion and ring in the new year for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.”
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has also wished the people of the State on the occasion of the Gaan Ngai festival.
The Chief Minister said “It gives me great pleasure in greeting the people of Manipur particularly our Zeliangrong brethren on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Gaan Ngai which falls on January 22, 2016.”
Gaan Ngai, the biggest cultural and religious post harvest festival of the Zeliangrong community is also an institution through which the community sustains their cultural heritage and way of life. It is the essence of the Zeliangrong culture.”
May the Gaan Ngai festival bring happiness and prosperity and spread the message of unity, love, peace and brotherhood amongst all the communities for a better Manipur.”
“I join the people of Manipur is the celebration of Gaan Ngai and convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all.”