Celebrating 204 Years of Assamese Sikh Heritage in Chaparmukh

A Historic Celebration in Chaparmukh

Raha, July 11: The Assamese Sikh community in Chaparmukh Singh Gaon is gearing up for a significant three-day celebration this October, marking over 200 years since the first Sikh settlers arrived in Assam.

The event, organized by the Axomiya Sikh Santha, will honor the community's 204-year history in Assam and pay homage to the Sikh soldiers who came to the region during the Ahom dynasty.

Rajbir Singh, president of the Axomiya Sikh Santha and vice-chairman of the Assam Government's Minority Development Board, expressed pride in having Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attend the event as the chief guest. "We are currently inspecting the venue and will finalize it before seeking the necessary permissions from the district administration," he stated.

Singh emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "We hope for a peaceful celebration. This occasion is crucial for the Assamese Sikh community, and we will work closely with the District Commissioner, local MLA, and other officials to ensure everything proceeds smoothly."

The roots of the Assamese Sikh community trace back to the reign of Ahom Swargadeo Chandrakanta Singha. During the Burmese invasions, Maharaja Ranjit Singh from Punjab dispatched around 500 Sikh soldiers to support the Ahom kingdom.

While many soldiers lost their lives in battle at Hadirachoki, a group of survivors moved eastward and settled near the Titaimari River in Chaparmukh.

Over time, these settlers established their homes, constructed a Gurudwara, and made Assam their permanent residence.

From Chaparmukh Singh Gaon, the community expanded throughout the state, identifying as Axomiya Sikhs and becoming a vital part of Assam's cultural and social fabric.

Preparations for the upcoming celebration are in full swing, with organizers planning to highlight the community's contributions to Assam's history, culture, and communal harmony, while honoring the sacrifices of the Sikh soldiers who helped lay the groundwork for the Assamese Sikh community.

The anniversary is anticipated to attract members of the Assamese Sikh community from across the state and beyond, converging on Chaparmukh Singh Gaon, recognized as the birthplace of the Assamese Sikh community in Assam.