OUR CORRESPONDENT
SIVASAGAR: The traditional Me-Dam-Me-Phi festival, an important cultural event of the Tai Ahom community in Assam, was celebrated for the first time in the predominantly Kaibarta-populated Bhatiapar area near Rudrasagar in Sivasagar today. The event was organized with great enthusiasm and hosted by the people of greater Rudrasagar, Bhatiapar, and Napukhuri at the historic Rudrasagar Napukhuri Siva Doul premises, featuring a day-long programme.
The celebrations began in the morning with an environmental cleanliness drive, followed by the hoisting of the Khringfa, Maidam rituals, and a traditional Banfi ceremony. The highlight of the afternoon was a grand multi-ethnic cultural programme, inaugurated by former MLA of Thowra constituency Kushal Dowari.
Several prominent personalities attended the event, including Sivasagar District BJP President Bitupan Raidongia, AGP’s Sivasagar District President Ghana Gogoi, Central Committee President of Sangrami Sena Chitu Baruah, former student leader Sarat Hazarika, President of Parivesh Suraksha Samiti, Sivasagar district Rupraj Boruah, and notable businessman Jitu Dutta.
In his welcome speech, celebration committee president Hariprasanna Hazarika emphasized that Me-Dam-Me-Phi is not only about remembering Ahom ancestors but also praying for the well-being of the entire state through the Banfi Puja. He highlighted that this first-ever Me-Dam-Me-Phi celebration in greater Bhatiapar, with the participation of various ethnic groups, symbolized the unity of the Assamese people.
The cultural programme showcased diverse performances, including Tai traditional songs, Thiyo Naam, Naga dance, Jerenga Bihu, Mising Gumrag dance, Mau Chong Bagarumba, Jhumur dance, Bihu dance, Xaatbhoni dance, Jikir, Jari and many more.
The programme was moderated by popular anchor Debashree Diksha Chandilya.
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