Diversity Assam

Diversity Assam Diversity Assam is the first of its kind digital creator and publisher from Assam.

We publish blogs, articles and stories to promote Assam and the rich diversity of Assam within and beyond the region.

Me Dam Me Phi is a significant religious and social festival of the Tai-Ahom community. It is observed to honor ancestor...
31/01/2025

Me Dam Me Phi is a significant religious and social festival of the Tai-Ahom community. It is observed to honor ancestors and seek their blessings. Ahoms believe that after death, ancestors become deities who protect their descendants.

This festival is dedicated to ancestor worship in the Ahom tradition. Me Dam Me Phi means 'Me' for prayer, 'Dam' for ancestors, and 'Phi' for deity.

The Ahom kings arrived in Assam in 1228 AD and ruled for nearly 600 years. They shaped the Greater Assamese identity and created a glorious history. Ahom's history is filled with wonder and adventure. One of their significant religious and social festivals is Me Dam Me Phi. Ahom kings performed this ritual after victories and to dispel misfortune. Ahoms believe ancestors become deities in the seven heavens.
They do not believe in rebirth but in spirits visiting Earth. Upon receiving prayers,
ancestors ascend to divine status.

The Ahoms celebrate this festival socially and perform the rituals within their families. They honor their ancestors by installing a 'Damkhuta' pillar in the kitchen and offering homemade wine, prasad, rice, eggs, and various items in worship.

The materials used in this ritual include raw rice, sacred birds (mainly chicken), local wine, chicken egg, duck egg, ginger, mustard oil, salt, banana, sugar, milk, jaggery, curd, flowers, and many other items.

This ritual follows a specific "Kheklai" method in the Tai language. It was introduced by 'Buranji' writer Moumung Deodhai, who came with Sukapha. Ahom mythology says Langdon, the sky god, sent his grandsons to conquer Earth.

Present-day, this festival is mainly celebrated on January 31 each year in Charaideo, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Tinsukia, Jorhat, and across Assam. The Ahoms perform the rituals under the guidance of Deodhai priests. The priests construct an octagonal 'Ho Phi' and set up a bamboo platform for each 'Phi' or ancestral spirit for worship.

Me Dam Me Phi preserves the Ahom legacy and ancestral reverence. Celebrated annually, it strengthens cultural identity and fosters community unity.

Padma Awards 2025: Winners from Assam1) Nrityacharya Shri Jatin Goswami, Padma Bhushan (Art)Born on 2 August 1933, in De...
28/01/2025

Padma Awards 2025: Winners from Assam

1) Nrityacharya Shri Jatin Goswami, Padma Bhushan (Art)

Born on 2 August 1933, in Dergaon, Golaghat, Sri Jatin Goswami dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Assam's Sattriya Dance globally.

2)Shri Anil Kumar Boro, Padma Shri (Literature and Education)

Dr. Anil Kumar Boro is a poet, professor, and folklore researcher at Gauhati University, actively publishing research articles on the folk culture of different tribes in Assam and Northeast.

3) Smt. Gita Upadhyay , Padma Shri (Literature and Education)

Smt. Gita Upadhyay is an author and Sahitya Academy winner currently involved in promoting Assamese and Nepali literature.

4) Shri Joynacharan Bathari, Padma Shri (Art)

Known as the flag-bearer of art and music of the Dimasa culture, Shri Joynacharan Bathari contributed immensely to the preservation and popularization of Dimasa culture.

5) Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta, Padma Shri (Art)

State-of-the-art bamboo mask maker Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta is still active in conservation and influencing new generations to learn the art of traditional mask making.

Wishing everyone Happy Republic Day.
26/01/2025

Wishing everyone Happy Republic Day.

Assam: A Paradise for Ecotourism 🌱 Assam, with its lush greenery and unique biodiversity, is an untapped paradise waitin...
22/01/2025

Assam: A Paradise for Ecotourism 🌱

Assam, with its lush greenery and unique biodiversity, is an untapped paradise waiting to be explored. Did you know that its tourism sector contributes nearly 10% of the state’s GDP? Yet, its ecotourism potential is largely unexplored, offering endless opportunities for sustainable development.

Here’s why Assam is the perfect ecotourism hub:

🐅 Seven National Parks: Home to rare species and thriving wildlife.

🌏 Majuli: The world’s largest river island, an ecotourism dream.

❄️ Haflong: Known as the Switzerland of the East, perfect for nature escapes.

🏡 Tea Tourism & Tribal Homestays: Authentic experiences promoted by initiatives like Awesome Assam.

In an era of climate challenges, ecotourism isn’t just a travel trend—it’s a lifeline for conservation and well-being. It’s about rejuvenating the planet while finding inner peace.

Here is a blog featuring top places in Assam for ecotourism.
https://diversityassam.com/tourism/7-places-to-explore-ecotourism-in-assam/

Paying a heartfelt tribute to the great Assamese scholar Anundoram Borooah on his death anniversary.Anundoram Borooah wa...
19/01/2025

Paying a heartfelt tribute to the great Assamese scholar Anundoram Borooah on his death anniversary.

Anundoram Borooah was born on 21st May 1850 in Rajaduar, North Guwahati, Assam. He is known to be the first Assamese who completed a graduate degree in any stream.

He is also known as the first ICS (Indian Civil Service) officer from Assam and the first district magistrate in India.

Except for civil service and law occupations, he was also a scholar of Sanskrit and literature.

Unfortunately, he passed away very early at the age of 38 on 19th January 1889.

His mastery in education and contribution to society, Sanskrit, and literature is a benchmark and still inspiring for generations.

Today is Silpi Diwas. It is celebrated on 17th January in honor of Jyoti Prashad Agarwala on his death anniversary to re...
17/01/2025

Today is Silpi Diwas. It is celebrated on 17th January in honor of Jyoti Prashad Agarwala on his death anniversary to remember his contributions to Assamese literature, culture, and cinema.

He is known as the ‘Father of Assamese Cinema’ as he was the pioneer of filmmaking in Assam. Jyoti Prashad Agarwala released the first-ever Assamese film, ‘Joymoti,’ on 10th March, 1935, marking the start of Assamese cinema.

Let's celebrate his timeless contribution to the upliftment of the cultural landscape of
Assam.

When January rolls in, Assam lights up with the warmth of Bhogali Bihu, a harvest festival that celebrates the richness ...
14/01/2025

When January rolls in, Assam lights up with the warmth of Bhogali Bihu, a harvest festival that celebrates the richness of nature and the joy of community. This isn’t just a festival; it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in Assamese culture and traditions.

🎋 What makes Bhogali Bihu so special?

Feasting like never before: From pithas and larus to freshly harvested fish, the celebration is a tribute to Assam’s culinary heritage. 🍛

The magic of Mezi and Bhela Ghar: Burning the bonfire (Mezi) signifies letting go of the past, while the Bhela Ghar becomes a hub of music, dance, and laughter. 🔥🎶

Vibrant traditions: Wrestling, egg fights, and even buffalo contests add a unique charm to the festival. 🥚🐃

Role of women: They are the true heroes behind the preparation of delightful dishes and traditional rice beer, uniting communities through their culinary art. 👩‍🍳🌾

Beyond the rituals
Bhogali Bihu is more than a celebration—it’s a time to express gratitude to the fire god and to Mother Nature for her bounty. It’s about community, connection, and joy. 🌟

But as times change, so do traditions. With modernity comes individualism, and communal feasts are slowly giving way to smaller gatherings. The question remains: How do we preserve the essence of Bhogali Bihu for future generations?

Have you experienced Bhogali Bihu or a similar festival that celebrates harvest and togetherness? Share your stories and favorite traditions in the comments! Let’s celebrate culture, unity, and gratitude together.

Wishing everyone a joyous Uruka and Magh Bihu.
13/01/2025

Wishing everyone a joyous Uruka and Magh Bihu.

The gamucha is more than a simple piece of fabric; it embodies Assam's rich cultural heritage, symbolizing respect, iden...
11/01/2025

The gamucha is more than a simple piece of fabric; it embodies Assam's rich cultural heritage, symbolizing respect, identity, and tradition.

Its practical applications and ceremonial significance ensure its enduring presence in Assamese society, bridging history and modernity seamlessly.

Zubeida Begum Dhanrajgir, aka Zubeida, the Indian actress who played the lead female role in Alam Ara, also played the h...
10/01/2025

Zubeida Begum Dhanrajgir, aka Zubeida, the Indian actress who played the lead female role in Alam Ara, also played the heroine role in an Assamese film.

She played the role of 'Paro' in the Assamese version of Devdas (1937), and she is the first non-Assamese actress who worked in an Assamese film. There is an Assamese version of Devdas that was released in 1937. Pramathesh Chandra Barua, one of the pioneers of filmmaking in Assam, directed the movie, and Phani Sharma played the lead role of 'Devdas'.

Zubeida was born in 1911 in Surat, Gujrat, and started her acting career with a silent film, Gul-e-Bakavali (1924). Before working for Devdas (Assamese), she played various roles in more than 62 Indian films.

It is believed that Prathamesh Chandra Barua convinced her to work in an Assamese film, since Prathamesh Barua was till then a well-established actor and filmmaker all over India.

Talatal Ghar, an architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Sivasagar, Assam, stands as a testament to the grandeur an...
09/01/2025

Talatal Ghar, an architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Sivasagar, Assam, stands as a testament to the grandeur and ingenuity of the Ahom dynasty. Built during the reign of Swargadeo Rudra Singha, it became the royal residence after the capital was shifted from Gargaon to Rangpur, which was later renamed Sivasagar.

The palace’s construction was completed under the reign of his successor, Swargadeo Rajeshwar Singha, in the 18th century. This magnificent brick palace, which takes its name from the seven-storey design ("tala" meaning storey), is a striking example of Ahom architecture.

What sets it apart is the unique structure: three of its storeys are underground, with the remaining four above ground. The underground levels were designed for security and have hidden tunnels that connect the palace to the Kareng Ghar at Garhgaon and the banks of the Dikhow River, ensuring a swift escape route for the king in times of danger.

The Talatal Ghar's layout is fascinating, with separate rooms for various functions such as Barcara, Bulani Ghar, PaliGhar, DeoGhar, and Maranghar. The palace also accommodated soldiers and bodyguards. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the artistic brilliance of the period.

Tourists from all over the world visit the Talatal Ghar to marvel at its architectural splendor and historical significance. Its unique structure, blending security with beauty, reflects the intelligence and vision of the Ahom rulers. This monument not only celebrates the Ahom dynasty's rich heritage but also stands as a symbol of Assam’s cultural legacy.

Today, Talatal Ghar remains an iconic monument, attracting hundreds of visitors daily who are eager to witness the grandeur of Assam's royal past.

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