Assamese Wedding Rituals

Although different regions of India have varied rituals for wedding, the same thought of prosperity and goodwill of the newly wedded couple reflects in every part of the country. In the eastern state of Assam, the wedding ritual is in total contrast with that seen down south or at the western extreme of the subcontinent. The Assamese have a different perception about wedding, wherein the reception party can be held prior to the ceremony as well. Moreover, the rituals performed to honor the newly married couple are different and only one of its kind. Check out some interesting information about the Assamese wedding rituals, in the article.

Assamese Wedding Customs

Daiyan Diya
Daiyan diya is a traditional Assamese ceremony observed in the morning of the wedding. According to the tradition, curd is sent to the bride's house from the groom's place. The bride eats half of the curd and returns the rest to the groom's house. Thereafter, the bride and the groom are given a ceremonial bath.

Ceremonial Bath
The wedding day commences with the performance of the bathing custom. The bride and groom's mother visit the nearby river or lake with a pot and fetch holy water. The bride and the groom are bathed with the holy water, at their respective homes.

Arrival Of The Groom
The arrival of the groom calls for fun activities. According to the Assamese tradition, the bridegroom's marriage procession is not given entry into the bride's home, until they pay a heavy price, which adds to the fun element of the wedding ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony
The bride's mother welcomes her future son-in-law. In the mean time, the bride's younger sister washes the groom's feet, for which she is rewarded with a gift (mostly cash). Thereafter, the bride's brother lifts the groom and takes him to the wedding hall. On the other hand, the bride enters the wedding hall (or mandap) on the shoulder of her maternal uncle.

The bride and the groom sit at the mandap, facing the sacred fire. The couple then exchanges garlands and takes vows, amidst the chanting of mantras. Conch shells are blown to mark the tying of the wedding knot. The groom applies sindoor (holy vermilion) on his wife's hair partition. Thereafter, the friends and relatives come forward to bless the newly weds. The newly married couple then goes to the groom's house, where they are given a warm welcome. The bridegroom's mother performs the traditional aarti, to welcome her son and daughter-in-law.

Wedding Reception
The timings for the reception party are flexible in the Assamese community. According to their tradition, the reception can be held even before the wedding ceremony. During the party, lip smacking dishes are served to the guests. Fish and meat take prominent place in the menu for the wedding reception party.