Gaan-Ngai 2025: A Celebration of Unity and Tradition in Manipur

The Gaan-Ngai festival, the Zeliangrong community's largest post-harvest celebration, began on January 12, 2025, in Manipur. This vibrant five-day festival features cultural performances and traditional rituals, symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new, while emphasizing peace.

Shivam Published On January 15th, 2025

The Gaan-Ngai festival, the largest cultural and religious post-harvest celebration of the Zeliangrong community, commenced with grand celebrations on January 12, 2025, in various regions of Manipur. Known for its vibrant cultural performances and traditional rituals, Gaan-Ngai brings together the people in a spirit of unity and celebration. The festival, lasting five days, marks the transition from the old year to the new, with a focus on peace, prosperity, and community healing.

Background

Community: Celebrated by the Zeliangrong people, consisting of the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Puimei tribes.
Meaning of Name: “Gaan-Ngai” translates to “festival of the winter season” (Gaan = winter, Ngai = festival).
Agricultural Context: Gaan-Ngai is a post-harvest festival, marking the end of agricultural activities when granaries are full, and the land is dry.

2025 Celebrations

Date and Location: The festival began on January 12, 2025, and was celebrated in various regions, including Sagolband Ramji Kabui Village in Imphal West.
Chief Minister’s Participation: Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended the state-level celebration and conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the people of Manipur.

Key Events

Cultural Performances: The event featured mesmerizing cultural displays, with active participation from men, women, and youth.
Cultural Significance: The festival is a time to pay homage to ancestors through sacred rituals and prayers for the well-being of the community.
Day 1 Rituals: The first day involves sacred fire rituals, homage to ancestors, and prayers for the community’s health. Ancestor graves are adorned with flowers.
Subsequent Days (2-5): The next four days are marked by festive activities, including:
Traditional dance and music performances by men and women in their vibrant attire.
Community feasts where people gather to celebrate together.
Gift exchanges among family and friends.
Inclusion of Sports Activities: In recent years, sports like long jump and shot put have been incorporated into the festival celebrations.
Cultural Symbolism: Gang Ngai signifies communal unity, peace, love, and prosperity, bringing the Kabui Nagas together in joy and celebration.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Gaan-Ngai 2025: A Celebration of Unity and Tradition in Manipur
Community	Celebrated by the Zeliangrong people (Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Puimei tribes).
Meaning of Name	“Gaan-Ngai” translates to “festival of the winter season” (Gaan = winter, Ngai = festival).
Agricultural Context	A post-harvest festival, marking the end of agricultural activities when granaries are full.
2025 Celebrations	Began on January 12, 2025, in various regions, including Sagolband Ramji Kabui Village, Imphal West.
Chief Minister’s Participation	N Biren Singh, CM of Manipur, attended the state-level celebration and extended his wishes.
Key Events	Cultural performances, rituals, community bonding, and sports activities.
Day 1 Rituals	Sacred fire rituals, homage to ancestors, and prayers for the community’s health. Ancestor graves adorned with flowers.
Subsequent Days (2-5)	Dance and music performances, community feasts, gift exchanges.
Sports Activities	Long jump and shot put included in recent celebrations.
Cultural Symbolism	The festival symbolizes unity, peace, love, and prosperity within the community.