In this section, we will provide you information
on Assamese matrimonial customs & traditions.
Here is provided information
on pre wedding Assamese rituals:
Juran Ceremony
This ceremony takes place two days prior
to wedding. This function is exclusively
meant for women. The groom's mother along
with some close relatives visits the bride's
house. The bride's mother greets them
and gives them a warm welcome with the
xhorai, a brass plate with a stem. It
consists of betel nut and betel leaves,
which are covered with a gamocha.
Tel Diya Custom
Tel Diya is the main pre wedding custom.
In this ritual, the bridegroom's mother
puts a ring and betel on her daughter-in-law's
hair parting. Also, she pours oil that
she has brought along, thrice on the betel.
Thereafter, she applies sindoor and presents
her wedding trousseau. It also includes
'mekhla chadar', the traditional Assamese
dress for women.
Pani Tola &
Nuani Tradition
Pani Tola is the gathering of holy water
by the bride and groom's mother, which
is later used for the bride's ceremonial
bath.
Nuani tradition involves anointing and
bathing the bride to help her get ready
for her wedding ceremony.
Assamese Wedding
Rituals:
Here is provided information
on Assamese wedding rituals:
Ceremonial Bath
The wedding day begins with the performance
of bathing custom. The bride and groom's
mother visit the nearby river or lake
with a pot and gather holy water. This
water is later used for the ceremonial
bath of the bride and groom, which takes
place in their respective homes.
Wedding Reception
In the Assamese community, reception party
is held even before the marriage ceremony.
Mouthwatering food is served to the guests.
Fish and meat are the main highlights
of the wedding reception menu.
Arrival Of The
Groom
When the groom arrives, the bride's family
indulges in fun time activities. The bridegroom's
marriage procession is not given entry
into the bride's home, until they pay
a heavy price.
Wedding Ceremony
The bride's mother welcomes his future
son-in-law and the bride's younger sister
washes the groom's feet. Thereafter, the
bride's brother lifts him and takes him
to the wedding hall. In a traditional
Assamese wedding, the bridegroom dresses
up in dhoti and kurta, with a silk shawl
draped across his shoulder. The bride
is given panch-amrit (a mixture of ghee,
curd, sugar, honey and raw milk) to eat.
The bride makes a noticeable entry on
the shoulders of her maternal uncle.
Wedding ceremony takes place in front
of the sacred fire. The couple exchanges
their garlands and takes vows, amidst
the chanting of mantras. Conch shells
are blown to mark the celebration. The
bridegroom applies sindoor (holy vermilion)
on his wife's forehead. Thereafter, the
friends and relatives come forward to
bless the newly weds.
The newly weds then go to their house,
where they are given a warm welcome. The
bridegroom's mother performs the traditional
aarti.