According to legend, Sukaphaa was an ancestor of the Mong-Ri-Mong-Ram region's ruler, God Khulung, who descended to Earth from heaven.
Asom Divas's Past
The Assamese tradition of honouring Asom Divas has historical roots. Chaolung Sukhapha, a prince of the Tai Kingdom of Mong Mao, which is presently located in Ruili in Yunnan, China, founded the Ahom Dynasty.
The legend claims that Prince Sukhapha's cousin was causing numerous obstacles because she was unwilling to allow the latter to inherit the kingdom. The Prince travelled to the Patkai Mountains in Assam because of this family feud.
Due to the bravery and courage with which he led his Kingdom, his arrival became the starting point of the Ahom Kingdom, and very quickly, people began to revere Sukaphaa as their god.
Assam's Ahom Community
The Ahom Community was established by the Great King, Chaolong Sukhapha, as is now widely known, and it continues to play a significant role in Assam. Their native speech is the Ahom language, and although at one point the entire population spoke it, this has changed.
In Assam's north, the Ahom Community is primarily concentrated in Sibsagar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, and Dhemaji.
Also, they live in several areas of Arunachal Pradesh, with Karbi Anglong and Lohit districts being the most well-known.
Principal Draws of Asom Divas 2023
1. Musical and dance traditions
Beautiful folk music and dance are presented by local musicians to kick off the Asom Divas day. Bagurumba, Bihu dance, Bhortal Dancing, etc. are some of the popular folk dance styles. The two genres of traditional Assamese music—Borgeet and Ojapali—comprise narrative singing and dancing.
2. Award Presentation
Following the traditional dance and music performances, there is an awards presentation, during which the Assam Chief Minister presents prizes and rewards to the victors.
3. Procession
The officials organise a large procession to take place at the end of the day. They chant regional music as it is performed to honour Chaolung Sukaphaa and bring the event to a close.