Asom Divas, also known as Sukaphaa Divas, is a significant regional public holiday in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. Observed every year on December 2, the day holds immense cultural and historical importance for the people of Assam, who celebrate it with great enthusiasm and reverence.
The festival was first officially recognized and celebrated in 1996 to honor the arrival of Sukaphaa, the founder of the Ahom Kingdom in Assam. Sukaphaa, often referred to as a divine figure, is regarded as the messenger of God and a unifying leader who laid the foundations of the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for over six centuries.
According to legend, Sukaphaa was believed to be a direct descendant of God Khulung, a divine being who descended from the heavens to the Earth and ruled over the Mong-Ri-Mong-Ram region before embarking on his historic journey to Assam. Sukaphaa’s migration to Assam from present-day Yunnan, China, in 1228 CE, marked a transformative chapter in the region’s history. His leadership not only established a powerful kingdom but also fostered harmony among the diverse ethnic communities in Assam, shaping the state's identity.
On Asom Divas, people commemorate Sukaphaa’s legacy through cultural programs, traditional music, and storytelling sessions that highlight his contributions to Assam’s history and culture. Educational institutions and community organizations also host seminars and workshops to educate the younger generation about his life and vision.
Asom Divas is more than just a public holiday; it is a celebration of Assam's rich cultural heritage, unity, and pride. It serves as a reminder of the values of peace and integration that Sukaphaa embodied, inspiring the people of Assam to preserve their shared history and traditions.
History of Asom Divas
The reason behind celebrating Asom Divas in Assam has its roots in history. The Ahom Dynasty was formed by Chaolung Sukhapha, a prince of the Tai State of Mong Mao which is currently situated in Ruili in Yunnan, China.
According to the legend, the cousin of Prince Sukhapha was not willing to give away the throne for the latter and hence was creating a lot of obstructions. This family dispute made the Prince head to the Patkai Mountains of Assam.
His advent became the foundation date of the Ahom Kingdom and in no time, people started treating Sukaphaa as their God, courtesy of his bravery and courage with which he led his Kingdom.
Ahom Community in Assam
As we all know by now, the Ahom Community was founded by the Great King, Chaolong Sukhapha and it still is very much prominent in Assam. Their mother-tongue is the Ahom language and while earlier, the entire community spoke it, now they have started speaking different languages.
The Ahom Community is mostly found in the north part of Assam in places like - Sibsagar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, and Dhemaji.
They reside in some parts of Arunachal Pradesh as well, Karbi Anglong and Lohit districts, being the most popular among them.
Major Attractions of Asom Divas 2024
1. Cultural Dance and Music
The day of Asom Divas starts with beautiful folk music and dance performed by local artists. The major folk dance forms are Bagurumba, Bihu dance, Bhortal Dance, etc. Classical Assamese music is divided into Borgeet and Ojapali which combines narrative singing with dancing.
2. Award Ceremony
After the cultural dance and music performances come the award ceremony wherein the Chief Minister of Assam gives awards and rewards to the winners.
3. Procession
At the end of the day, there is a grand procession that is organized by the authorities. While it is carried out, people sing local songs in order to praise Chaolung Sukaphaa and wrap up the festival.
How to Reach Assam
Assam is much more than what meets the eye and this beautiful place looks even better during this vibrant festival. Asom Divas is celebrated at Rabindra Bhawan which is located on Gopinath Bordoloi Road in Guwahati. There are different ways to get there and here are the easiest of them all.
By Air
The nearest airport to Assam is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. And, from here the Cultural Centre is approximately 22 kilometers away which will take nearly 1 hour or more via car or bus.
The airport is well-equipped, and flights from major cities of India arrive here frequently. In fact, international flights from Hong Kong also take off from and land at this airport.
By Road
The road connectivity of Assam with its neighboring states and cities is smooth. Assam has its own bus corporation too, to serve the state via ASTC or Assam State Transport Corporation.
Volvo Bus Services are also available from Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati Railway Station, and Rupnath Brahma Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
By Rail
Assam has great rail connectivity laid out conveniently across India. The nearest railway station to reach Assam is the Guwahati Railway Station which is well-connected via frequent train services from and to the different parts of India.
There are trains such as Avadh Assam EXP, ANVT AGTL RAJ, AGTL Sundri EXP, and NDLS SCL PSK EXP that run from Delhi to Guwahati. If you are traveling from Mumbai, then you can consider trains such as LIT KYQ AC EXP, Guwahati EXP, and Karambhoomi EXP.
Frequently Questions Asked About Asom Divas 2024
Q1. What is Asom Divas?
A1. Asom Divas, also known as Sukaphaa Divas, is a regional public holiday celebrated in Assam to honor the arrival of Sukaphaa, the founder of the Ahom Kingdom, and his contributions to the state’s history and culture.
Q2. When is Asom Divas celebrated?
A2. Asom Divas is celebrated annually on December 2. In 2024, the celebrations will take place on the same date, with events and programs planned across the state.
Q3. Why is Sukaphaa important in Assamese history?
A3. Sukaphaa is regarded as the founder of the Ahom Kingdom in Assam and a unifying leader who brought diverse communities together. His rule laid the foundation for over 600 years of Ahom governance, shaping Assam’s culture and identity.
Q4. When was Asom Divas first celebrated?
A4. Asom Divas was officially recognized and celebrated for the first time in 1996 to commemorate the contributions of Sukaphaa and his arrival in Assam in 1228 CE.
Q5. What are the key activities on Asom Divas?
A5. The day is marked by cultural programs, traditional music and dance performances, storytelling sessions about Sukaphaa’s life, and seminars organized by educational and cultural institutions.
Q6. Is Asom Divas a public holiday in Assam?
A6. Yes, Asom Divas is a regional public holiday in Assam, allowing people to participate in the celebrations and honor Sukaphaa’s legacy.
Q7. What is the significance of December 2 for Asom Divas?
A7. December 2 marks the date Sukaphaa arrived in Assam, completing his historic journey from the Mong-Ri-Mong-Ram region (present-day Yunnan, China), and began establishing the Ahom Kingdom.
Q8. What does Sukaphaa symbolize for the people of Assam?
A8. Sukaphaa symbolizes unity, peace, and the integration of diverse cultures. He is considered a divine figure and the messenger of God who laid the foundations of a culturally rich and harmonious Assam.
Q9. How is Sukaphaa connected to Assamese legends and mythology?
A9. According to legends, Sukaphaa was a descendant of God Khulung, a divine figure who descended from the heavens and ruled over the Mong-Ri-Mong-Ram region, from where Sukaphaa began his journey to Assam.
Q10. How can one participate in Asom Divas 2024 celebrations?
A10. To participate, you can attend cultural programs, visit educational seminars, and explore traditional exhibitions organized across Assam. Community centers, schools, and cultural institutions often host events open to the public.
