Asom Divas in Agartala: Timeless Might of Ahom Dynasty Celebrated
Agartala, Dec 2: Assam Foundation Day—observed as Asom Divas or Sukapha Divas—was marked with reverence and cultural pride in Agartala on today.The legacy of Chaolung Sukapha, founder of the Ahom kingdom, took centre stage in both state-level ceremonies and national tributes.
At Lok Bhavan, the former Raj Bhavan in Agartala, Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu led the celebrations, highlighting the deep civilizational significance of the day. Assamese residents from various institutions participated in the programme, where distinguished people of Assam were felicitated.
A documentary showcasing the state’s tourism, natural beauty, rich resources, infrastructure strides, and cultural icons—including singer Zubeen Garg—was also screened.
Speakers underscored that Asom Divas commemorates Sukapha’s historic arrival in 1228 AD, when, after a nearly 13-year migration from the Tai kingdom of Mong Mao in present-day Yunnan, he crossed the Patkai Hills and entered Assam.
Reaching Namrup in 1228, Sukapha established the Ahom kingdom—an empire that shaped Assam’s socio-cultural identity for nearly six centuries. Since 1996, the day has been formally observed to honour his leadership, vision and the unifying values he espoused.
The emphasis on the Ahom legacy echoed strongly at the national level as well. Extending greetings on Asom Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the commitment to advancing the inclusive, culturally rooted and development-oriented ideals of Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha. In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister described the day as a reminder of Assam’s “civilisational depth and unifying principles,” noting that Sukapha’s administrative foresight, cultural assimilation and emphasis on harmony continue to guide the state even eight centuries later.
PM Modi highlighted the developmental push undertaken by the Centre and the Assam government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, citing visible improvements in connectivity, infrastructure and social sectors. He also emphasised ongoing initiatives to preserve and promote Tai-Ahom cultural heritage, including documentation projects, research support, cultural centres and academic integration.
Across Assam, Asom Divas was celebrated with cultural programmes, seminars and community gatherings, reflecting both pride in the Ahom legacy and aspirations for the future. The twin observances of the state’s identity—Asom Divas on December 2 and Assam State Formation Day on January 26—were explained during the Agartala event. While Asom Divas honours the foundation of the Ahom Empire, State Formation Day marks the constitutional birth of modern Assam in 1950.
Asom Divas remains a defining symbol of Assam’s history—celebrating Sukapha’s determination, his journey across terrains and cultures, and the enduring values of unity and coexistence that continue to shape Assam’s identity today.
