Assam Observes Me-Dam-Me Phi Celebrations across State

Guwahati, January 31, 2020:

Assam has begun the celebrations of Me-Dam-Me Phi across the state by offering tributes to their ancestors. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also extended his greetings.

Me-Dam-Me-Phi is celebrated by Assam’s Ahom community every year on January 31.

It is a festival to pay respect to the departed ancestors, remembering their contribution to society.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wished the people of Assam through his official twitter handle. He posted, “Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Me-Dam-Me-Phi. May the blessings of the ancestors guide us in building a united and strong Assam.”

Sarbananda Sonowal also attended the Me-Dam-Me-Phi celebrations at Charaideo Maidam organized today.

It may be mentioned here that there are several instances of performing this festival by the Ahom Kings. In the Ahom Buranji translated by G.C. Boruah, it is mentioned that Suhungmung after defeating the Kacharis on the banks of the river Dhansiri in 1563 occupied the whole of the Dhansiri valley along with the northern portion of the Kolong river. As was the prevailing tradition king Suhungmung in order to commemorate this victory performed both the Mae Dam Mae Phi and Rikhwan festival in his capital desiring longevity of him and his subjects.

Sukhampha alias Khura Raja realizing danger from the Koches made an alliance with the Koch king and after this successful alliance the king performed Me Dam Me Phi in his capital.

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King Pratap Singha thrice performed the Me Dam Me Phi festival. First, it was performed in 1606 A.D., after the defeat of the Mughals at the confluence of the rivers Kapili and Mora Doiyang. The second time in 1615 A.D., after defeating the Mughals at Agia Bandha. He performed this festival for the third time in order to seek blessings from his ancestors after his defeat at the hands of the Mughals. Supangmung performed Me Dam Me Phi because suspicion arose in his mind that during his reign the State faced many dangers including loss of many lives in the battles of Hajo and Kan’ at the hands of the Mughals because he did not offer worship to his deceased brother Surampha.

During the reign of Sunyeophaa when a wooden beam of the royal court suddenly collapsed, astrologers suggested the king, perform Me Dam Me Phi and the king also did accordingly.

King Sudingphaa, after the cremation of his brother Suklingphaa at Charaideo under a Nuni tree, performed the ancestor worship by performed the Me Dam Me Phi.

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