Gaan-Ngai


Gaan-Ngai also known as "Chakaan Gaan-Ngai" is a festival of the Zeliangrong people of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. It is the biggest festival out of many festivals observed throughout the indigenous calendar of Rongmei Naga/Kabui tribe.

Relevance

It is also a post harvest festival.It is mainly performed by the followers and devotees of Zeliangrong Indigenous religion of ‘Poupei Chapriak’ and ‘Heraka’.

Celebration

Gaan-Ngai is traditionally celebrated in the month of "Gaan-Bu" of the indigenous calendar of the Rongmei Naga tribe which typically falls in the Gregorian month of November or December. So, accordingly, Gaan-Ngai is celebrated in Assam as per the date fixed using the indigenous Rongmei Naga Calendar with the said festival having status of Restricted Holiday in Assam. While in Indian state of Manipur, Gaan-Ngai is celebrated in the 13th day of the Manipuri month of "Wakching" of Meetei Manipuri Calendar with the festival being a State holiday in Manipur. Gaan-Ngai has also been recognized as the Tourist Festival of India by the Govt of India.