The post harvest Festival of the Rongmeis
Rongmei, like any other Nagas endowed with rich cultural heritage. They celebrate Festivals with Folk songs, dances and oral recitals/hymns all the year round with much pomp and gaiety. They have different attire, songs and dances associated with different festive occasions. In fact, they are known for their beautiful folk dances and for their festivities. The Rongmei (Kabui) dance is applauded the worldwide.
Rongmei, like any other Nagas endowed with rich cultural heritage. They celebrate Festivals with Folk songs, dances and oral recitals/hymns all the year round with much pomp and gaiety. They have different attire, songs and dances associated with different festive occasions. In fact, they are known for their beautiful folk dances and for their festivities. The Rongmei (Kabui) dance is applauded the worldwide.
Of many Festivals celebrated, the CHAKAN GAAN-NGAI which is the premier festival of the Rongmeis is celebrated after the harvest in winter month. CHAKAN GAAN or GAAN BU is a lunar month indicating Winter (Dec –Jan. of Solar Calendar). Gaan-Ngai is opened with blowing of Mithun horn, a way of heralding the festival from boys dormitory called “KHANGCHU”. Uses of drums, cymbals, flutes and other musical instruments are allowed from this festival, till the arrival of next sowing season. Thus, before Gaan-Ngai festival, uses of drums and other musical instruments are taboo.
As days enters the Chakan Gaanbu (winter month) the elders of the village decides the days for the festival and announces to the members for necessary preparation of the festival, which lasts for 5 to 7 days.
At the beginning of this festival the male dormitory makes New Fire by rubbing bamboo cord with bamboo gauze placed under a piece of dry wood, which is distributed to all the household of the village to light the New Fire in the fireplace of the household symbolising new and fresh life. This traditional method of making fire is called “MHAI LAPMEI”.
The last rite to the family members who died after the last Gaan –Ngai is also performed by the concerned family members in this festival. It is believed that the soul of the diseased does not leave the earthly home till this rite is performed. The Chakan Gaan- Ngai in other words liberates the souls of the near and dear ones, hence considered important.
Chakaan Gaan – Ngai is marked with many Indigenous games and sports like Guaichang nimmei ( Catching of Mithun ), Guak nimmei (catching of pig ), Daan Chammei (Long jump), Tau phaimei (Shot put), Annaomei (wrestling) etc.
During this festival, folk songs and dances are performed by young boys and girls with grand festivities with their fineries.
Thaban Rongmei,
President, Rongmei Community,
Dimapur
