The State Level Gaan-Ngai celebration, a significant cultural event for the Zeliangrong community, was held on January 12, 2025, at Ramji Kabui Khul in Imphal West district. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh attended the event, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and development in the state.
The Gaan-Ngai festival commenced with traditional rituals, including the sacred fire extraction ceremony, led by the village chief. These practices, rooted in Zeliangrong traditions, signify the beginning of the festival, which celebrates the harvest, pays homage to ancestors, and fosters community bonds.
The festival is a cornerstone of the Zeliangrong cultural identity, observed annually across Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland. It brings together indigenous communities in a spirit of unity and gratitude for nature’s bounty.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Biren Singh stressed the need to protect and preserve Manipur’s rich cultural heritage. “Our traditions and customs are our identity. It is the responsibility of every community to safeguard and pass them on to future generations,” he stated.
Biren acknowledged the peaceful coexistence of the state’s indigenous groups and urged collective efforts to strengthen this unity. Referring to the evolving nomenclature within the Kabui community, he reiterated the government’s recognition of the Zeliangrong community as a unified entity, urging the community to embrace its shared heritage.
The Chief Minister drew attention to pressing environmental concerns, citing global natural disasters, such as the wildfires in Los Angeles, as reminders of humanity’s neglect of nature. He called for renewed focus on environmental preservation and highlighted Manipur’s initiatives, such as the “Green Imphal, Green Manipur” campaign, which he launched in 2004-05 during his tenure as Forest and Environment Minister.
Biren proposed hosting future state-level Gaan-Ngai celebrations at the Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou, a location envisioned to showcase Manipur’s diverse cultural heritage on a larger scale. He announced plans to invest ₹100 crore in upgrading the park, including the construction of 3,334 permanent stalls.
In addition, Biren revealed the establishment of a Unity Mall in Keikol, Imphal East, with an estimated budget of ₹150 crore. The mall aims to promote local products and crafts, providing a platform for indigenous artisans to reach broader markets.
Highlighting infrastructure development in the state’s hill districts, the Chief Minister pointed to significant improvements on key routes, including the Imphal-Tamenglong road and the Tamei-Tamenglong and Tamei-Kangpokpi roads. He noted the near completion of the Imphal-Kangchup road, featuring three major bridges, which will reduce travel time to Guwahati to eight hours.
Biren emphasized the government’s commitment to equitable development across Manipur, ensuring that both urban and rural areas benefit from enhanced connectivity and resources.
Addressing concerns over internal discord, Biren commented on the activities of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Monitoring Committee. He cautioned against attempts by disruptive elements to spread misinformation or leak confidential information, urging communities to focus on shared origins and goals.
Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai also attended the event, praising the Chief Minister’s leadership in fostering unity and progress. He highlighted the significance of the Gaan-Ngai festival in promoting cultural pride and solidarity among Manipur’s diverse communities.
The Gaan-Ngai celebration served as a platform to not only honor traditional values but also emphasize the importance of unity, environmental responsibility, and development. With ambitious plans for cultural preservation and infrastructure growth, the state government aims to ensure that Manipur remains a beacon of cultural and social harmony.
