Assam: Tai Ahom festival Me-Dam-Me-Phi observed statewide

Widespread celebrations are taking place across the state on Wednesday as the Tai Ahom community in Assam is celebrating their holy festival Me-Dam-Me-Phi.

Me-Dam-Me-Phi is a significant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and communal harmony by the Ahom community in Assam. It takes place annually on January 31.

This festival is deeply rooted in the tradition of ancestor worship, which is a common cultural thread among the Tai Ahom community of the state.

The term "Me-Dam-Me-Phi" is composed of three words where 'Me' signifies offerings, 'Dam' refers to ancestors, and 'Phi' means gods. The festival is thus a time when the Ahoms offer oblations to their ancestors and gods, honoring the memory of the departed and seeking their blessings. It is a day marked by the remembrance of ancestors' contributions to society and the expression of gratitude for their guidance.

During Me-Dam-Me-Phi, Ahom families establish a pillar called 'Damkhuta' opposite the kitchen, which serves as a sacred space for worship. Here, they present various offerings such as homemade wine, rice with meat and fish, and vegetarian dishes. The rituals are performed by Ahom priests known as Deodhai and Bailung, who chant mantras in the Ahom language and follow codes from sacred manuscripts like Phralung and Banfi.

The festival also includes the veneration of specific gods such as Chaufi and Dam Chaufi, considered gods of heaven, while other deities associated with natural powers and earthly realms are honored at different times of the year. The belief that a person's soul, after death, becomes an ancestor for a short period before transforming into a god, is central to the Ahom faith. This transformation is thought to unite the soul with the supreme soul, endowing it with spiritual qualities that continue to bless the family.

Me-Dam-Me-Phi is not only a religious observance but also a cultural event that fosters unity, brotherhood, and mutual understanding among the Ahom people. It is a vibrant expression of their rich heritage, where the new generation connects with their ancestral roots and celebrates the legacy left behind by their forebears.

The festival has been observed since ancient times, with historical records indicating that Ahom kings would perform Me-Dam-Me-Phi to commemorate victories, seek protection from imminent dangers, or desire longevity for themselves and their subjects. Today, the festival continues to be a grand affair, bringing together the Ahom community in a shared celebration of their history, culture, and ancestral spirits.

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