Assam’s Tai Khamyangs to mark century-old legacy with new Buddha Vihar inauguration

The Tai Khamyang residents of Powai Mukh in Tinsukia district are set to observe the two-day Danottam Kathin Civar Daan Utsav alongside the inauguration of the newly constructed Powai Mukh Buddha Vihar on November 1 and 2.

Powai Mukh Buddha Vihar, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency, was originally established in 1922 by the Tai Khamyang community. Around 70 Tai Khamyang families, who have lived in the area for generations, are active devotees of the Vihar.

According to Sashidhar Shyam, General Secretary of the All Assam Buddhist Association, Tinsukia district committee, the reconstruction of the Vihar was made possible through government support. Two-time MLA Bhaskar Sharma facilitated the project with an allocation of Rs 50 lakh from the Assam government’s untied fund, released in two instalments of ₹25 lakh each.

The Tai Khamyangs, recognised as one of Assam’s indigenous Buddhist tribes, continue to uphold their traditional culture, language, and customs. Their presence in Powai Mukh for centuries symbolises peace, harmony, and unity within the community.

The two-day celebration will see participation from Buddhist monks and devotees from across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant occasion for the region’s Buddhist population.