HAILAKANDI, Dec 11 ? The five-day long traditional Gaan-Ngai festival of Rongmei Naga people and subsequently the golden jubilee celebration of their settlement in Pantiluang village of Hailakandi concluded recently. Social Welfare Minister Gautam Roy inaugurated it in a colourful function. It may be mentioned that the Gaan-Ngai is the biggest festival of Rongmei Nagas, the Kindred tribe of Zeliangrong Nagas of assam, Manipur and Nagaland. Certain delightful legends surround the origin of the festival. Moreover the festival is characterized by the religious workshop, offering rites and rituals mingled with traditional games, songs, dances and feasting. But the predominent theme of the festival is Huai meaning prayer to Apou Tingkao Raguang Saamting Phianmei (Supreme Heavenly Father).
Gaan-Ngai falls in Gaan Bu as per the traditional lunar calendar followed by the Rongmei Naga tribe. With the appearance of the new moon on the first day of the Gaan-Ngai is heralded with the blow of the Horn. The festival Gaan-Ngai celebration is spread over for five days. In these five days having its own particular significance, Tarao Ngai, Rangra Na, Rang Pam Na, Tamcha, Ramphan, Pumthaan, Riliam Phian Na and Napchan rites and ritual are performed with great respect.
In the inaugural function, the young boys and girls wearing traditional garments presented colourful dances. The youth leader of the community, Jumum Pow Kabui, while explaining the purpose in the inaugural function, said that Pantiluang has a glorious history since its settlement in Hailakandi fifty years back and the people always in the efforts to uplift the Rongmei Naga culture, custom and traditional beliefs, i.e., Poupei-Chapriak, the indigenous faith of Rongmei Naga.
Minister Gautam Roy in his speech, said that the Rongmei Nagas are here in Hailakandi are very fond of dance and music and contributing a lot for the development of the locality. He termed them as the symbol of national integration and said that concrete steps should be taken to uplift their socio-economic condition. Police Super Jeevan Chandra Sarma and Additional Deputy Commissioner NK Baruah also spoke on the occasion. A souvenir was also released on the occasion. The District Administration of Cachar and Hailakandi declared half holiday on the occasion.