This has been one of the most important festivals of the Ahom since at least their arrival in Assam in the 12th century.
It is a festival to show respect to the departed ancestors and remember their contribution to society.
The word ‘Me’ means offerings. ‘Dam’ means ancestors and ‘Phi’ means gods. So while this festival is seen as ancestor worship, the name reflects the Ahom belief that ancestors soon turn to gods, when an individual’s immortal soul joins with the soul of the supreme being.