Assam: Tirap welcomes new Singpho King in grand royal ceremony

In a vibrant and culturally rich ceremony, Duwa Bisa Mung Dung Gam Singpho was officially crowned as the Singpho King of Tirap Mauza on Sunday, succeeding his late father, Bisa Nong Singpho. The coronation, rooted deeply in Singpho customs, took place at his residence in Bisa Gaon, situated within the Tirap Tribal Belt under the 83rd Margherita Constituency of Tinsukia district.

The historic event was hosted jointly by three eminent Tai Ahom community organizations — Tirap Mouza Bhumi Suraksha Samity, Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom, and Kolik Lai-Tai Margherita Regional Committee — in a grand felicitation programme held to honor the newly anointed monarch.

Presided over by Munin Borgohain, retired headmaster of Baputi Gogoi ME School, the occasion served as a profound demonstration of cross-cultural reverence and unity. The coronation ceremony began with Duwa Bisa Mung Dung Gam Singpho being adorned in traditional Tai Ahom attire, symbolizing his formal ascension to kingship.

In a symbolic gesture of alliance and cultural appreciation, Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom presented the new king with a Hengdang (traditional sword), a finely crafted Pha-Chit (ceremonial cloth), and a letter of appreciation. The Tirap Mouza Bhumi Suraksha Samity also extended their homage by gifting him a Ban Kahi (bell-metal plate), a Ban Bati (traditional bowl), and a letter of acknowledgment.

Further enhancing the ceremonial grandeur, the Kolik Lai-Tai Margherita Regional Committee — dedicated to the preservation of Tai language, literature, and heritage — honored the king with a Pha-Hou (Tai Paguri or traditional shawl), reinforcing the historic bond between the Singpho and Tai Ahom communities.

Among the distinguished attendees were Pallav Shyam Wailung, General Secretary of the Tirap Autonomous District Council Demand Committee; Senggam Labram, President of the Singpho National Council; Chandra Kanta Konwar, President of the Tirap Mouza Bhumi Suraksha Samity; Tukheswar Gogoi, its General Secretary; Debojit Phukan, Working President of the Margherita Co-District Committee of Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom; Sushil Gogoi, Joint Secretary; Atul Chetia, Executive Member of the Kolik Lai-Tai Central Committee; and Aicheng Lanchong, Secretary of the Tinsukia District Committee.

Also present were community elders, businessmen, and representatives from the Tai Ahom organizations across Margherita.

Speaking on the occasion, the newly crowned king Duwa Bisa Mung Dung Gam Singpho emphasized the historic and enduring relationship between the Singpho and Tai Ahom communities, stating, “This is not just a coronation, but a celebration of our shared heritage and mutual respect. Today marks a new chapter not only for the Singpho community but for cultural unity in the Margherita region.”

The event concluded with cultural performances and a renewed commitment to preserving the ancient traditions and brotherhood between the communities.