Assamese Marriage Culture and Traditions

Assamese marriage rituals are simple which consist of various pre wedding and post wedding traditional rituals. Juran ceremony is held in the beginning just before two days. The function is meant for women only. Groom's mother along with her close relatives visits the bride's house. She is greeted by the bride's mother and given a welcome with the xhorai. It is brass plate containing the betel nut and betel leaves.

Another important pre wedding custom is Tel Diya. In this ceremony, ring and beetel leave is placed in the parting of the bride by the groom's mother and oil is poured thrice on the leave. Then she is presented with the wedding dress which consists of 'mekhla chadar'. Sindoor is applied on her forehead.

The ritual of pani tola is performed after this. Holy water is gathered by the bride and goom's mother from the lake which is later used for the ceremonial bath.

On the wedding day, nuani tradition is performed where bride takes baths and several pastes are applied to make her ready for the wedding. This pastes provided nourishment and glow to his skin.

On the wedding day, the bride and groom take ceremonial bath. Girl is dressed up in traditional shawl and jewels.

In the Assamese community, reception party is held before the marriage ceremony. Various dishes are served to the guests. However, fish and meat are the main highlights of the wedding menu.

The groom reaches the bride's house with his family, relatives and friends. They are welcomed with great honor at the bride's house. The bride's family indulges in fun time activities with the groom. The bridegroom's marriage procession is not given entry into the bride's home until they pay some price for it.

The groom is welcomed by his mother in law and his feet are washed by the bride's younger sister. Then he is lifted on his back by the bride's brother who takes him to the wedding hall.

The traditional dress worn by the groom is dhoti and kurta with a silk shawl draped across his shoulder. A mixture of ghee, curd, sugar, honey and raw milk which is called panch-amrit is given to the bride.

The bride is carried on the shoulders of her maternal uncle to the venue for the wedding.

A sacred fire is lit in a pyre and wedding ceremony is held in front of it. The couple exchanges their garlands and takes wedding vows amidst the chanting of mantras. Sindoor is applied by the groom on the bride's forehead. Conch shells are blown loudly to mark the occasion.

After the ceremony, time comes for the departure of the bride to the groom's house. She bids adieu to every one and leaves the house with heavy heart.

She is given a warm welcome at her new house by the friends, relatives and members of the family. Her mother in law performs her arati.

Grah parvesh ceremony is held after the bride reaches her new house. She is given a warm welcome at her new house by the friends, relatives and members of the family. Her mother in law performs her arati. She is blessed with prosperity and good luck for her new life.