Me-Dum-Me-Phi

Me-dam-me-phi, the name of a festival in Assam is celebrated with no less pomp and gaiety. The Ahoms in the north eastern state celebrate the day long festival to pay homage to the ancestors in January. Literally, in Tai Ahom language ‘Me’ means worship, ‘Dam’ means the dead, and ‘Phi’ stands for God. This is what the ancestor worship among the Ahoms. This is what the manifestation ancestor worship concept by the Ahoms who are said to have been living in some other parts of the south Asian countries. It is believed that when Lengdon, the god of heaven, sent Khunlung and Khunlai to the earth by a golden ladder, Jasingpha, the god of knowledge asked the duo to perform Umpha, Phuralong, Me-Dam-Me-Phi and Rikhan worships in different months of a year. This is what the origin of the Me-Dam-Me-Phi. Now Me-Dam-Me-Phi is observed publicly in different places across the state to be enjoyed by non Ahome people also.

Dam Chao Phi is associated destruction, water, lightning and storm, sun, moon, learning, diseases, earth who is worshipped by Ahom priests Deodhai and Bailung by chanting Tai mantras.

On the Me-Dam Me Phi day, Chaufi and Dam Chaufi are worshipped as the duo are regarded as the gods of heaven. It is widely believed that a man after his death remains as ‘Dam’ and only for a few days and soon he becomes ‘Phi’ (God). The Ahom families set up a pillar on the opposite side of the kitchen (Barghar) which is called ‘Damkhuta’ where they worship the dead.

Me-Dam-Me-Phi, precisely, reflects the manners and customs of the Ahoms but also helps the people bring unity, friendship and brotherhood among the various sections of the people. It is universal appeal to all sections of people to stand united.