20th Karing-Ngei (Festival of the Living) was celebrated at Church Complex of Nungtek-1, Noney District yesterday. This biggest traditional festival of Inpui Tribe was organised by Youth Club and Village Authority of Nungtek-1. The festival was graced by Napolean Ruangmei, DFO, Noney as chief guest, Adai Dangmei, Chairman, VACLA as the guest of honour, and Longvah, Assistant Commandant, 86 BN. CRPF Major Shem Khumba, 2ic, Rashtriya Rifles, and Gailiangpou Gonmei, Social Worker shared the dice as special guests.
The literal meaning of Karing-Ngei means ‘festival of the living’. It is celebrated on 12th January of every year after Tataak is observed. Tataak is a ritualistic homage paid to the departed souls at the end of the year. In Karing-Ngei, people celebrated the gift of life and pay gratitude to God for granting a new year in their life.
In the olden days, priests and elders of the villagers would visit every household and carry out rituals called Pumkan Rithoi, to bring blessings upon the family. But in the present Christian era, Karing-Ngei is celebrated by acknowledging the gift of life. The festival is annually celebrated in Inpui residing villages of Noney District, Tamenglong District, Senapati District, Imphal West, Dimapur of Nagaland and other Inpui resided places. Display of traditional dances, games, ho-hoing, and other cultural-related activities were the main events of the celebration.