Last Update: February 15, 2023, 06:25 IST
The word Lui-Ngai-Ni is a combination of three words from different Naga languages. (Representational Image: Shutterstock)
Lui-Ngai-Ni is one of the most important agricultural festivals among the tribes of Manipur.
Manipur is rich in culture and biodiversity. Also known as the “Jeweled Land”, Manipur shares borders with Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south and Assam in the west. Well, did you know that February 15 is a bank holiday in Imphal, the capital of Manipur? Cause? Lui-ngai-ni.
What is Lui-Ngai-Ni?
For those unaware, it is an important agricultural festival celebrated among the tribes of Manipur. It is basically a seed sowing festival celebrated by the Naga tribes. Lui-Ngai-Ni tells a lot about its culture and heritage. Imphal residents are preparing to celebrate Lui-Ngai-Ni on February 15, which is considered the beginning of the spring season.
Bank Holidays in Manipur
Bank holidays in Manipur in 2023 include regional festivals and fairs, national events, and state and central government holidays. One such day is February 15, when Lui-Ngai-Ni will be celebrated. Lui-Ngai-Ni became a prestigious festival in the mid-1980s. It became a state holiday in Manipur in 1998.
Naga languages
The word Lui-Ngai-Ni is a combination of three words from different Naga languages. ‘Lui’ is a shortened form of ‘Luiraphanit’, which means ‘seed-sowing festival’ in Tangkhul language. The word ‘ngai’ is the Rongmei word for ‘festival’, and ‘ni’ also translates to ‘seed-sowing festival’ in the Mao language.
festival of manipur
Talking more about the festival, the day witnesses various cultural programs which include dance and folk songs which are close to the local communities there. People also get to see indigenous games like climbing oiled bamboo poles on this day.
One of the most important purposes behind celebrating Lui-Ngai-Ni is to pray to the Gods to bless the devotees with a good harvest. All the dances, games and other activities are a part of the festival aimed at pleasing the deities.
The Naga tribes participating in the Ngai-ni River include Mao, Maram, Poumai, Liangmai, Maring, Tarao, Chothe, Anal, Kharam, Koireng and Thangal.
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