Dibrugarh: The Tai Ahom community across Dibrugarh district joined the rest of the state on Saturday in celebrating the annual Me-Dam-Me-Phi festival with deep religious and traditional fervour.The festival, which centres on the worship of ancestors, saw a massive turnout of devotees at various venues, marked by ancient rituals and cultural showcases.The Tai Educational and Cultural Centre, Dibrugarh, organised the 59th edition of the central celebration at Sukapha Nagar, Niz Kadamani. The event drew hundreds of followers of the Tai Ahom faith, as well as cultural enthusiasts eager to witness the rich heritage of the Ahom dynasty.Me-Dam-Me-Phi, a term derived from the Tai-Ahom language where ‘Me’ means offerings, ‘Dam’ means ancestors, and ‘Phi’ means gods, is the most significant festival for the community. It is based on the belief that ancestor worship brings prosperity, peace, and protection from communal harmony.The day’s proceedings at Sukapha Nagar began with the solemn ‘maidam tarpan’ and traditional rituals performed by the community priests. Offerings were made to the spirits of the departed, seeking their continued guidance and blessings for the welfare of society.Speaking on the significance of the day, Chou Durlav Gogoi, general secretary of the Tai Educational and Cultural Centre, Dibrugarh, emphasised the importance of preserving the community’s roots.“This festival is a 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 said.The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the chairman of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), Rituparna Baruah. The celebrations featured vibrant cultural programmes, including traditional Tai Ahom music and dance performances, with participants dressed in their ethnic finery. People from various ethnic backgrounds participated in the festivities. The celebration concluded with a community feast where traditional Tai Ahom delicacies were served to the guests, further strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.
