'Chagaa Ngee' celebrated
Source: Chronicle News Service
Tamenglong, October 30 2021: Liangmai tribe celebrated their sanctification ritual 'Chaga Ngee' at Tamei with the elders praying 'Chagaa Gadi' upon all communities across the region.
Chaga Ngee is celebrated with awe and divine hope of new achievements, rededi-cating themselves to "Apou Charawang", the ultimate divine.
It is a festival where menfolk sanctify themselves by way of avoiding any sort of food prepared by a female and sharing any space with them during the weeklong ritual period.
Speaking during the celebration and the culmination of the ritual at Tamei on Saturday, forest, environment & climate change minister Awangbow Newmai underlined the importance of divine guidance in the realisation of aspirations of all who seek new hope.
In a competitive time as these, it is hope alone which drives progress and achievements, he said.
Awangbow continued that 'Chagaa Ngee' ritual is for renewal of hope by sanctifying themselves in the hope of more achievements and accomplishment.
He stated that state's people are living through a transition period and it is the youth alone who will determine a peaceful and harmonious space for the generation to come.
Tribes, communities have lost their culture in an exchange for fancy lifestyles and the ultimate loss is their identity.
The minister also stressed on the importance of conducting the ritual in all villages to keep alive the spirit of renewing of hope and aspirations.
This, he said, is the culture and identity of Liangmai community and they will not lose track by doing so.
Hoping of progress and new achievements in the state, the minister expressed gratitude to the organising committee and pleaded all communities across the region to celebrate 'Chagaa Ngee' in their own capacities by sharing hope, love and goodwill, in the form of exchanging sweets.
He also renewed'the hope that within a few months' time 'Chagaa Ngee' will be a state holiday.
It maybe mentioned that minister Awangbow Newmai has been strongly advocating for declaration of October 30 as a state holiday in the state cabinet.
It is already a state holiday in Nagaland where the Liangmai population is meagre as compared to the Liangmai population in Manipur state.