Dibrugarh Celebrates Me-Dam-Me-Phi Festival with Traditional Fervour
The Tai Ahom community across Dibrugarh district joined the rest of Assam on Saturday in celebrating the annual Me-Dam-Me-Phi festival with deep religious and traditional fervour. This significant cultural event, centred on the worship of ancestors, witnessed a massive turnout of devotees at various venues throughout the district.
Ancient Rituals and Cultural Showcases
The festival was marked by ancient rituals and vibrant cultural showcases that highlighted the rich heritage of the Ahom dynasty. The Tai Educational and Cultural Centre, Dibrugarh, organised the 59th edition of the central celebration at Sukapha Nagar, Niz Kadamani, drawing hundreds of followers of the Tai Ahom faith alongside cultural enthusiasts eager to witness traditional practices.
Significance of Me-Dam-Me-Phi
Me-Dam-Me-Phi, a term derived from the Tai-Ahom language where 'Me' means offerings, 'Dam' means ancestors, and 'Phi' means gods, represents the most significant festival for the community. This celebration is fundamentally based on the belief that ancestor worship brings prosperity, peace, and protection while fostering communal harmony among participants.
Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals
The day's proceedings at Sukapha Nagar commenced with the solemn 'maidam tarpan' and traditional rituals performed by community priests. These ceremonies involved making offerings to the spirits of departed ancestors, seeking their continued guidance and blessings for the welfare of society and future generations.
Preserving Cultural Roots
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Chou Durlav Gogoi, general secretary of the Tai Educational and Cultural Centre, Dibrugarh, emphasised the importance of preserving the community's cultural roots. "This festival serves as a vital bridge between our glorious history and the current generation. We pay our deepest respects to our forefathers who established the foundation of our identity and seek their blessings for a peaceful future," Gogoi stated during the celebrations.
Dignitaries and Cultural Programmes
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Rituparna Baruah, chairman of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC). The celebrations featured vibrant cultural programmes that showcased traditional Tai Ahom music and dance performances, with participants dressed in their ethnic finery. People from various ethnic backgrounds enthusiastically participated in the festivities, demonstrating the inclusive nature of the celebration.
Community Feast and Brotherhood
The celebration concluded with a grand community feast where traditional Tai Ahom delicacies were served to all guests. This communal dining experience further strengthened the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity among participants, creating lasting memories of cultural unity and shared heritage.
