Gaan-Ngai is a festival of the Zeliangrong people (indigenous Zeme, Liangmei and Rongmei tribes) of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland states in North Eastern India.

[1] According to legend and folklore, life began after the creation of the universe including earth by Tingkao Ragwang, the creator and almighty god.

[3] While humans achieved peace initially, they multiplied as ages passed and the cooked rice was no more available post the fleeing of the gods.

[3] Thingpu Rengsonnang, the householder of the dormitory, visited the surroundings and found fertile soil, conducive for vegetation and proclaimed that the villagers should go for cultivation.

[1][5] Gaan-Ngai is celebrated by the Zeliangrong people in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland states in North Eastern India.

[15][2] On the first day of the festival, Gucheng Phaimei ritual is conducted where pieces of ginger, believed to be the fingers of Tingkao Ragwang, are thrown at the ends of the village to ward off evil forces.

[2] Later, Gakpai Jaomei is performed by the members of Chinch and elders of the village where future predictions are made using a spleen of a pig offered to Tingkao Raglan for his blessing after which a feast called Jeigan Tumei is held.

[2] In the afternoon, post a ceremonial march called Hoi Gammei is held till the selected place for conducting sports and games.

[2] Tuna Gaan-Ngai is conducted on the fourth day of the festival with the unmarried jointly making a gathering and distribute pieces of meat, small packet of salt and chilli along with rice beer.

[2] On the last day of the festival, ritual and sacrifice are performed to the eight brother gods, namely Raguang, Vishnu, Naptime, Karagong, Koloa, Chongchai Charakilongmei and Dimei, led by the eldest Pekoe.