Me-Dam-Me-Phi: Honouring ancestry, strengthening unity

Dipen Gogoi 

(gogoidipen3686@gmail.com)

Assam, a picturesque and cul-turally rich state in North-east India, is home to di- verse ethnic communities and tribes, each contributing uniquely to its heritage. Among these is the Tai Mongolian ethnic group, a community with roots extending across a vast Asian continent. Known by different native names in various countries, the Tai people have a shared migration history from their original homeland to distant regions, including Assam. Within this larger Tai identity, the Tai Ahoms hold a significant place as a prominent royal clan, whose influence has shaped much of Assam’s history, culture, and traditions.

The Tai Ahoms, rooted in their deep respect for nature, traditionally didn’t engage in idol worship of gods or goddesses, instead adhering to a religion centred on the elements of the natural world. When they entered Assam under the leadership of Sukapha in the third decade of the 13th century, they brought with them a distinct culture, religion, and traditions. While many of these practices were modified or abandoned over time due to interactions with Aryan-origin cultures, some traditions have endured. Among these is the religious festival of Me-Dam-Me-Phi, a historically significant occasion where the Ahoms honour their ancestors, referred to as Pulin Puthau, underscoring their enduring reverence for familial and ancestral ties.

The religious festival of Me-Dam-Me-Phi holds profound significance in the traditions of the Tai Ahoms and has been observed for centuries with deep reverence. While its primary purpose is to honour and pay homage to the forefathers, it extends beyond mere remembrance to address various pivotal moments in the lives of the Ahom people. Historical records reveal that this festival was celebrated during times of adversity, such as natural calamities, ominous occurrences, or severe illnesses, as well as during periods of great significance, such as before embarking on battles, to seek divine blessings for victory, or after a defeat, to find solace and strength. Victories were also marked with this festival as a gesture of gratitude to the ancestors for their guidance and blessings. Under the Ahom royal reign, Me-Dam-Me-Phi was an elaborate event celebrated with grandeur and spiritual fervour. Even in modern times, it remains an integral part of Ahom cultural identity and is observed publicly with great enthusiasm. The chanting of sacred mantras in the Ahom language forms a key element of the rituals, symbolising the spiritual connection between the living and the ancestors. Through these rites, prayers are offered not only for individual well-being but also for the prosperity and harmony of the country, community, and society as a whole. This festival reflects the Ahoms’ enduring reverence for their ancestral roots and their belief in the interconnectedness of all aspects of life.

In the present day, Me-Dam-Me-Phi has evolved into a national festival, reflecting its growing significance beyond the Tai Ahom community. The Tai Ahoms firmly believe that worshipping their deceased ancestors on this auspicious day brings mental strength and ensures a prosperous year ahead, as nature itself receives the blessings of its forefathers. The rituals performed during the ceremony are deeply rooted in tradition, with offerings made by age-old customs. Following the religious rites, people from all walks of life come together to partake in a friendly feast, fostering unity and camaraderie.

In recent years, the festival has taken on a vibrant and multifaceted character, with numerous cultural and educational activities being organized to complement the ceremonies. These include discussions, quizzes, literary events, and traditional sports competitions, all of which serve to promote and preserve the rich heritage of the Tai Ahoms. The inclusion of colourful cultural programmes,
showcasing the community’s unique traditions, adding to the festive spirit and underscores the positive evolution of Me-Dam-Me-Phi into a celebration of cultural pride and unity.

In contemporary times, Me-Dam-Me-Phi has garnered attention not only within Assam but also from foreign researchers who have shown keen interest in studying and analysing this traditional religious festival of the Tai Ahoms. While its core essence lies in offering homage to forefathers, the festival has transcended its original boundaries and now embraces all Assamese people, irrespective of caste, creed, or ethnicity. This broader participation underscores its evolving significance, transforming it into a celebration of unity and shared heritage.

The universal appeal of Me-Dam-Me-Phi goes beyond its religious roots, reflecting profound social and political implications. By bringing together diverse communities, it serves as a powerful symbol of harmony and integration among Assam’s multi-ethnic population. This inclusive spirit has not only enriched the festival but has also reinforced the ideals of unity and integrity, presenting Me-Dam-Me-Phi as a shining example of cultural cohesion and collective identity in a diverse society.

In the present time, Assam and its people face numerous challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, natural disasters, terrorism, killings, corruption, and acts of looting. These antisocial problems have created a critical juncture in the state’s history, threatening its social fabric and harmony. In such turbulent times, the blessings of our forefathers invoked through traditional ceremonies like Me-Dam-Me-Phi, hold profound significance.

Their blessings are believed to inspire the restoration of the gallantry and moral strength that defined the glory of the past, fostering peace, order, and stability. The festival also symbolizes the unification of all, transcending differences to bring people together under the shared values of harmony and integrity. Drawing upon the wisdom and spirit of our ancestors, Me-Dam-Me-Phi offers hope and guidance in overcoming these pressing challenges and rebuilding a cohesive and prosperous society.

It’s widely believed that no individual, community, or ethnic group can progress along the path of development and prosperity without the blessings of their ancestors and forebears. This belief underscores the importance of celebrating Me-Dam-Me-Phi with deep reverence, as it serves as a means to honour and worship the forefathers, seeking their blessings for unity, strength, and the restoration of the former glory of Assam. The festival, transcending barriers of caste and creed, aims to fortify the foundations of a united and prosperous Assam. 

In the broader philosophical and scientific sense, the Tai Ahoms perceive the solar system or the universe as the forefathers of all living beings and space as the forefather of the universe itself. According to their religious tradition, the ultimate deity is none other than their parents and ancestors, reflecting a profound reverence for the interconnectedness of creation. Through this perspective, Me-Dam-Me-Phi is not merely a ritual of ancestor worship but a celebration of the natural forces that govern existence. 

When viewed through the lens of science, the worship inherent in Me-Dam-Me-Phi can be seen as an early exploration of the cosmos and its mysteries. This aligns with the modern scientific pursuit of understanding the universe for the betterment of humanity, as advancements in space research have led to numerous innovations for human welfare. The Tai Ahoms’ religious ceremonies, thus, can be interpreted as an ancient form of deliberation and reflection on the power of creation, aimed at the welfare of mankind.

This practice, rooted in rational thought and respect for nature, signifies the birth of science in its nascent form, making Me-Dam-Me-Phi not an imaginary or abstract form of worship but a realistic and meaningful acknowledgement of the forces that sustain life.

The celebration of Me-Dam-Me-Phi was relatively limited in scope until around 1980, primarily observed in central locations such as the Kareng Ghar in Gargaon and a few other sites of historical significance. However, from 1980 onwards, the festival began to gain wider recognition, with an increasing number of places and organizers participating in its observance. The reason behind this expansion and its necessity are worth exploring. One possible factor is the growing awareness among the Assamese people of their cultural heritage and the need to preserve the traditions of the Tai Ahoms, especially in the face of rapid modernization and cultural assimilation. As the state’s history and identity became more prominent in discussions of regional pride, festivals like Me-Dam-Me-Phi emerged as a unifying force, connecting communities to their roots.

Another contributing factor could be the socio-political environment of the time. The 1980s saw a resurgence of ethnic and cultural movements in Assam, aiming to assert local identities and reclaim indigenous traditions. In such a context, Me-Dam-Me-Phi likely became a symbol of unity and cultural pride, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among the people.

Additionally, the festival’s emphasis on values like reverence for ancestors, unity, and harmony resonated with the broader need to address social and cultural fragmentation. Its celebration across diverse locations may have been a deliberate effort to promote inclusivity, preserve traditions, and strengthen the communal fabric of Assam. This gradual transformation of Me-Dam-Me-Phi from a localized event to a widely celebrated festival reflects its growing relevance in contemporary times as a marker of cultural identity and a source of inspiration for the unification of society.

Despite political unrest and changes after Sukapha’s reign, his vision of uniting diverse ethnic groups into a greater Assamese community remained steadfast. While not all Ahom kings equally contributed to this process, Me-Dam-Me-Phi transcends individual worship, honouring all who shaped the Assamese identity. Upholding its spirit with awareness and dignity will preserve the unity, harmony, and legacy of the Assamese community for generations to come.

The continuity of Me-Dam-Me-Phi is vital for a well-ordered society. It strengthens Assamese identity while promoting unity, harmony, and mutual respect. Honouring ancestors reinforces social cohesion, making its preservation essential for lasting stability.