The Rongmei community living in the Delhi NCR region celebrated Gaan Ngai 2024, a post-harvest festival, in a grand manner with much pomp and gaiety under the theme "Our Culture Our Identity".
Organised jointly by the Rongmei Phwam Delhi (RPD) and Rongmei Chamnac Phwam Delhi (RCPD), the event held at Burari in the national capital on January 27, witnessed the enthusiastic participation from the Rongmei community and well-wishers.
According to a statement issued by the RPD, the event commenced with the rhythmic beats of traditional drums (Meic-kabaimei khuanghlwan), performed by Pouning Panmei, Jeff Rongmei and Pouh Ngankulung Kamei.
The festivities kicked off with the Huaygamhmei procession, a spectacle where males of all ages – elders, married individuals, youths, and even children – adorned in their finest Rongmei attires and wielding spears, enthusiastically participated, resonating with spirited chants of 'Ho, Ho' (Ho-Hoing).
The atmosphere heightened with thrilling competitions, including the Long Jump (Danhchammei) and Shot Put (Taupwang phaihmei), the RPD stated.
Adding a touch of cultural significance to the festivities, the traditional 'New Fire Making', known as 'Mailapmei,' was gracefully performed by Pouning Panmei and Jagoulung Panmei, enriching the event with a deeper cultural resonance, the RPD added.
Several artistes, including Gaithailiu Gonmei, Namdisin Kamei and Gugu Ruangmei, and dance troops, including Rongmei Women Cultural Dance Troupe (RWCDT), enthralled the attendees with their soulful performances and captivating dances.
