Rongmei Community of Chümoukedima district celebrates the tribe's biggest festival, Gaan-Ngai.
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DIMAPUR — The Rongmei Community of Chümoukedima district celebrated the tribe's biggest festival, Gaan-Ngai, on January 3 at F-Khel Rongmei colony, Diphupar village, Chümoukedima.
In a press release, the Rongmei Council Chümoukedima District (RCCD) stated that the first district-level celebration of Gaan-Ngai since the formation of Chümoukedima district, was held on the theme ‘Our festival our identity.’
The festival is celebrated post-harvest to thank the Almighty God, traditionally referred as ‘Tingkao Raguangh,’ for the bountiful blessings during the year and also seeking His continued providence in the coming days. It was organised by the RCCD.
The festival began with the traditional making of the new fire, ‘mhailapmei,’ denoting the beginning of a new year followed by folk dances, songs and traditional games such as ‘mhisumpphianmei’ (throwing of pestle), ‘daanchammei’ (longjump) and ‘luaipinmei’ (tug of war).
Dr. Johnny Kadunsin Ruangmei, Joint CEO, NSDMA, Govt. of Nagaland, was the chief host of Gaan-Ngai.
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In his address, Ruangmei highlighted in detail the significance of the festival, while reminding the congregation that God who exists beyond time, space and matter also created and blessed the Rongmei people with rich and beautiful traditions, customs and way of life.
“Gaan-Ngai is the festival to praise and thank Him, and to exhibit the beautiful culture God has bestowed on the Rongmei community, which is the tribe's identity,” he added.
Guest of Honour and SDO (Civil) Chümoukedima, Seyiekhrietuo Solo, who also addressed the festive gathering, said that culture, traditions and values provide an anchor in a rapidly changing world, and that “by preserving them we can maintain a connection to our roots and identity.”
Other dignitaries present were ChingkhiulungGonmei, advisor and former president of Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN); Akhu Gangmei, president RCN; and various tribal bodies from Chümoukedima district.