A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: Me-Dam-Me-Phi, the most important ancestor worship festival of the Ahom community, was celebrated on Friday across Lakhimpur district in memory of the departed. By observing the manifestation of the concept of ancestor worship, the Ahom community paid profound respect to the departed ancestors and remembered their contribution to society and prayed for averting any imminent danger, commemorating the victory and desiring the longevity of life.
The festival was centrally observed at Tyag Kshetra of North Lakhimpur town in a befitting manner. The agenda of the event began with Ban-Phi at 6 in the morning. It was followed by Dam-Phi conducted by Dharmeswar Gogoi following the religious tradition. Celebration committee president, Binod Gogoi unfurled the flag while Rudra Konwar lighted the ceremonial lamps in front of the statue of Chao Lung Syu-Ka-Pha. The maidam tarpan event was formally administered by Tai Cultural Research and Development Center president Guna Phukan in order to pay deep tribute to the departed ancestors. The public meeting organized on the occasion commenced with Binod Gogoi in the chair. It began with a chorus song in the Tai language by a group of women. Former MLA of Lakhimpur LAC, Ghana Burhagohain inaugurated the programme.
"Me-Dam-Me-Phi is not only the festival of the Ahom community, but it is the festival of the State. Our ancestor Chaolung Syu-Ka-Pha, entering the Saumarpeeth of Assam in 1228, instituted the greater Assamese society being assimilated with all tribes and communities of the land. Those people got assimilated with them through the sacred bond of marriage and forgot their own culture and language. The festival may reflect the manners and customs of the Ahoms but helps to create unity, feeling of brotherhood and mutual understanding in the society and among the new generation," stated Ghana Burhagohain in his speech.
Lakhimpur District Development Commissioner Manoj Baruah graced the occasion as guest of honour while former principal of Dhemaji College, Budhin Baruah was present as the appointed speaker who delivered an elaborate speech on the significance of the festival. Celebration committee secretary Lakhya Konwar delivered the welcome address. Lakhimpur SP Rajbeer Sing released the Dam-Phi, the souvenir of the event. In his speech, the SP laid stress on establishing communal harmony, ushering in peace in the society by adhering to the noble ideologies of the Ahom Kings and the noble figures of the State and by creating positive thoughts. A group of children from the Lilabari area presented Diha naam in the programme while Pinky Chetia performed a song in the Tai language.
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