Me-Dam-Me-Phi is one of the most significant cultural and religious festivals of the Ahom community in Assam. This sacred ceremony is observed every year to honor the ancestors, acknowledge their contributions, and seek their blessings for the prosperity and well-being of the community. The tradition dates back to the time of the Ahom rulers and remains an integral part of Assamese culture today.
History and Significance of Me-Dam-Me-Phi
The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam for over six centuries and established Me-Dam-Me-Phi as a ritual to pay homage to their ancestors. “Me-Dam-Me-Phi” translates to “the souls of the ancestors” in the Ahom language. “Me” refers to the soul or spirit of the departed, while “Dam” refers to the male ancestors and “Phi” to the female ancestors. The festival is not only a time for spiritual remembrance but also an opportunity for the community to come together, reinforcing the importance of ancestry, traditions, and family ties.
When is it Celebrated?
Me-Dam-Me-Phi is celebrated on the 31st of January each year, which aligns with the Ahom calendar. The date marks a time when the Ahom kings would traditionally perform rituals to honor their forefathers. The celebration occurs with grandeur across Assam, particularly in areas where the Ahom community has a deep-rooted presence, such as Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh.
Rituals and Celebrations
The day of Me-Dam-Me-Phi begins with early morning prayers and offerings made at various shrines and family homes. People gather at ancestral burial sites, where they offer fruits, flowers, and traditional items to their forebears. The most important aspect of the ritual is the ‘Hati-Dam,’ where offerings are placed in the form of rice, meat, and other food items, along with a symbolic ritual involving fire to honor the souls of the ancestors.
As long as this ritual is observed, the memory of the ancestors will continue to live on, strengthening the identity and pride of the Ahom people in Assam.
