Chakaan Gaan Ngai, the post-harvest festival of the Rongmei people was celebrated on January 17, with advisor Power, Tovihoto Ayemi, as special guest at Chungaizaeng Rongmei Colony, Burma Camp Dimapur. The festival was organized by Rongmei Council Nagaland under the theme “Celebrating culture and identity”.
According to a press release issued by the festival’s Organizing Committee secretary, the advisor in his speech urged the gathering to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Rongmei people who are indigenous to Nagaland, Manipur and Assam.
He said that the Chakaan Gaan Ngai was an occasion for forgiveness, peace and prosperity. It is also time, Tovihoto said, to introspect on the shortcomings of the past and to look forward for a better future. Harping on the PDA government, he said that it was a pro-people government. Showing concern about the wastage of government funds in maintaining VIP culture, the government had instead suggested that these funds be invested in the development of the state.
Earlier, Tovihoto unveiled the inaugural plaque of the Rongmei Customary Court. The program started with a prayer offered by Pouhourei Gangmei, pastor Rongmei Baptist Fellowship Chümoukedima. G. Chingkhiulung, president Rongmei Council Nagaland welcomed the gathering and delivered the Chakkan Gaan Ngai greetings.
The festival was marked by demonstrations of the traditional way of igniting new fires, cultural dances, display of drum beats, indigenous games and sports and an evening extravaganza. John Dangmei and Kachekmunlu Gangmei were adjudged Mr. and Miss Chakkan Gaan Ngai 2019 respectively.