Me-Dam-Me-Phi - History

History

There are several instances of performing this festival by the Ahom Kings. In the Ahom Buranji translated by G.C. Boruah it is mentioned that Suhungmung Dihingia Raja after defeating the Kacharis on the banks of the river Dhansiri in 1563 occupied the whole of the Dhansiri valley along with the northern portion of the Kolong river. As was the prevailing tradition king Suhungmung in order to commemorate this victory performed both the Me-Dam-Me-Phi and Rikhan festival in his capital desiring longevity of him and his subjects. Sukhampha alias Khura Raja realizing danger from the Koches made an alliance with the Koch king and after this successful alliance the king performed Me Dam Me Phi in his capital. King Pratap Singha thrice performed the Me Dam Me Phi festival. First it was performed in 1606 A.D. after the defeat of the Mughals at the confluence of the rivers Kapili and Mora Doiyang. Second time in 1615 A.D. after defeating the Mughals at Agia Bandha. He performed this festival for the third time in order to seek blessings from his ancestors after his defeat at the hands of the Mughals. King Chakradhwaj Singha performed Me Dam Me Phi because suspicion arose in his mind that during his reign the State faced many dangers including loss of many lives in the battles of Hajo and Kan’ at the hands of the Mughals because he did not offer worship to his deceased brother Surampha Bhagaraja.

During the reign of Lakhi Singha when a wooden beam of the royal court suddenly collapsed, astrologers suggested the king, to perform Me Dam Me Phi and the king also did accordingly. King Chandrakanta Singha after the cremation of his brother Kamaleswar Singha at Charaideo under a Nuni tree performed the Sraddha by donating gold and silver to the Brahmins and even performed the Me Dam Me Phi. Thus it is seen that the Ahom kings performed Me Dam Me Phi on many occasions for averting any imminent danger, commemorating victory and desiring longevity of life.