Assamese Pre-Wedding Rituals

Wedding is a prominent celebration in India. The rituals followed before, during and after the marriage vary largely, depending upon the region, where the ceremony is held. As far as the Assamese wedding is concerned, the rituals performed right from the preparations to the culmination of the occasion, are unique in their own terms. The groom's mother plays a prominent role during the pre-marriage ceremonies of an Assamese wedding. The custom of applying sindoor (vermilion) on the hair partition of the bride before the marriage is very typical to the Assamese culture. Explore the article to get more information about the Assamese pre-wedding rituals.

Assamese Pre-Wedding Customs

Juran Diya
The Juran ceremony takes place two days prior to the Assamese wedding. This function is a ladies-only affair, wherein 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, in which betel nuts and betel leaves are neatly arranged and covered with a gamocha.

Tel Diya
Tel Diya is the main custom followed by the Assamese, prior to the wedding. In this ritual, the groom's mother puts a ring and betel on the bride's hair partition. In addition, she pours oil that she has brought along, thrice on the betel. Thereafter, she applies sindoor on the bride's hair partition and presents her wedding trousseau. It also includes 'mekhla chadar', the traditional Assamese dress for women.

Pani Tola & Nuani Tradition
During the pani tola custom, the bride and the groom's mother fetch holy water, which is later on used for the bride's auspicious bath. Nuani tradition involves anointing and bathing the bride to help her get ready for her wedding ceremony.