Identity & Kinship
Rongmei are part of the Zeliangrong—Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei—who share close linguistic and cultural ties. Communities are found in hill districts and towns across Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
Zeliangrong kinship
Assam · Manipur · Nagaland
Culture · Language · Festivals
Rongmei (Ruangmei) Community
The Rongmei, also known as Ruangmei or Kabui, are one of the major Naga communities of Northeast India. Closely related to Zeme, Liangmai, and Inpui under the collective name Zeliangrong, the community lives across Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam. This page introduces identity, language, cultural life, and ways to participate.
- 3States
- Z·L·RZeliangrong kin
- RuangmeiLanguage
- Gaan‑NgaiKey festival
Who we are
An overview of identity, homeland, language, and festivals.
Where we live
Villages and neighbourhoods are concentrated in Tamenglong, Noney, Imphal, Cachar, and parts of Nagaland, with many families living in cities across India and abroad.
Language
Rongmei (Ruangmei/Ruanglat) is a Tibeto–Burman language related to Zeme and Liangmai. It is studied as a Minor Indian Language in Manipur senior secondary (COHSEM).
Festivals
Gaan‑Ngai, the post‑harvest festival, features communal dance, drum music, and remembrance rituals. It is central to social life and cultural continuity.
Culture & Community Life
Arts and attire, music and dance, and community practices.
Arts & Attire
Distinctive shawls, beadwork, and motifs represent clan and regional identities. Textiles and crafts are taught through families and festivals.
Music & Dance
Drum‑centered music accompanies group dances during ceremonies and seasonal events. Songs pass oral history and values between generations.
Community & Faith
Social life includes traditional institutions and churches, alongside indigenous faith practices observed by many families in the region.
Get involved
Share materials, fix links, and help describe the community accurately.
Contribute
Send books (PDF/ePub), photographs, or field notes with source and year. Prefer open formats and ensure you have rights to share.
Learn & Explore
Use curated resources for language and culture learning. Replace placeholders with community‑authorized sources over time.
Timeline (brief)
Selected milestones in community life.
Origins and kinship
Rongmei as part of Zeliangrong kin groups with shared heritage.
Community institutions
Village and urban communities sustain cultural practices and mutual support.
Language and learning
Ruangmei used in homes, ceremonies, and studied in Manipur schools (MIL, COHSEM).
Festivals today
Gaan‑Ngai and other events bring together families, youth, and elders.
Voices
Perspectives from community and learners.
Dance, music, and stories connect generations during festivals and gatherings.
Learning Ruangmei strengthens identity and bridges communities across the region.
Sharing verified resources helps preserve knowledge for future learners.
References & Links
Selected, public sources for further reading.