Celebration of Gaan-Ngai Festival Kicks Off in Manipur

The Gaan-Ngai festival, an annual celebration of the Kabui community in Manipur, has commenced with colorful festivities. This five-day event includes traditional rituals, prayers, and cultural performances, expressing gratitude for the harvest and hopes for the future. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla emphasized the festival's significance in promoting unity and peace among communities. Join the celebration as the community bids farewell to the past year and welcomes a new one filled with aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 12:46 IST

Gaan-Ngai Festival Begins with Vibrant Celebrations

Imphal, Jan 2: The vibrant Gaan-Ngai festival, celebrated annually by the Kabui community, commenced in Manipur on Thursday. The state-level festivities took place at Konthoujam Mamang Kabui village, located near Imphal in the Imphal West district, organized by a dedicated celebration committee.

Several prominent figures attended the event, including MLAs Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh (Konthoujam), Govindas Konthjoujam (Bishnupur), RK Imo Singh (Sagolband), Thongam Shanti Singh (Moirang), Kh Ibomcha Singh (Lamlai), and Dr. K Heera Kabui, who is the president of the Kabui Union Manipur. Also present were W Ibohal Singh, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies Manipur, along with local leaders Pouphunlung Kamson and Kamei Gangmumei.

The festival's opening day featured the offering of holy wine to the divine, accompanied by religious prayers, traditional songs, and cultural dances, marking the beginning of the five-day celebration.

Throughout the festival, the community expresses gratitude to the Almighty for a bountiful harvest while also praying for a prosperous future. The event serves as a reminder of unity, peace, and brotherhood among all communities in the state, symbolizing the farewell to the past year and the welcoming of a hopeful New Year.

In a message to the people of Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted that Gaan-Ngai is a post-harvest winter festival that includes rituals for the deceased, the creation of new fire, grand feasts, traditional dances, games, and songs, all dedicated to the Supreme God to promote prosperity, peace, and cultural continuity.

He encouraged everyone to join in the celebrations of Gaan-Ngai with a spirit of friendship, unity, and devotion, welcoming the New Year with a renewed commitment to fostering a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.

MLAs and other leaders also conveyed their greetings to the people during Gaan-Ngai, wishing for peace and development for all communities residing in Manipur.