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Assam is a state known for its cultures, believes and symbolism. Symbolism is an important asset of Assamese culture; various beliefs, identities and feeling are used to express using the art of symbolism. The three most popular symbols of Assam culture are Gamosa, Tamulpan and Xorai. Assam is a state practicing different ethnic cultures, so their festivals vary accordingly. Though, Bihu is a common festival in Assam and is celebrated at a large scale all over the state. Assam is famous for its traditional music and folk dances. Cane and bamboo crafts forms the most conventional utilities of the state. With all the other celebrations, marriages in Assam are not only an occasion to dance and celebrate, but it is also union of two families, the families of the Assamese bride and the groom. The rituals performed during marriage are aimed to introduce both the family members for their contribution towards a successful married life of the newly wed couple. The rituals followed in Assamese marriage are as follows: Pre- wedding rituals Juran Ceremony: It is the ceremony, where the family of the groom visits the house of the bride, where they are welcomed by the bride’s mother with a traditional arti. After which, both the bride and the groom’s mother exchanges Tamul and Paan between them and carries a traditional vase which is later filled with mango leaves and water of their native lands. The mother in law of the bride places betel and ring on the forehead of the bride, and then pours oil three times on the betel, and applies sindoor, after which she presents her with the assamese wedding dress, ‘mekhla chaddar’, a two- piece silk cloth and other jewelry and gifts. Wedding Day Rituals: Both the mothers of the bride and the groom bring water from the nearby lake or river, by which the assamese bride and groom take sacred bath. The process of bringing the water from the nearby water source is celebrated with great pop and gaiety. The wedding ceremony takes place at the night, with fish and meat being the main course for the feast that night. The Assamese groom wears the traditional dhoti- kurta and shawl worn over his shoulder, while the bride wears a silk saree, wore in their traditional style. Like all other marriages, groom reaches the venue of the marriage with a grand procession including his family members and friends. The Groom’s family is not allowed to enter the venue hall until they pay heavy price for their entry; all this involves great fun, drama and enjoyment. Then the groom is welcomed by the bride’s mother with a religious arti, after which the sister of the bride washes the groom’s feet as a ritual. Then the bride’s brother lifts the groom and carries him to the wedding mandap. The bride is made to eat a dish made of ghee, curd, raw- milk, honey and sugar called amrit- panch, after which she is taken to the mandap by her maternal uncle on his shoulders. Then the actual wedding ceremony starts with the exchange of garlands between the assamese bride and groom, after which they take seven circles around the sacred fire promising to be with each other in all the ups and downs of life. Then the groom puts sindoor on the forehead of the bride marking the completion of their wedding ceremony. The mothers of the bride as well as the assamese groom do not attend the actual wedding ceremony. The bride is then welcomed by her mother- in- law with a traditional arti and some customs at the groom’s house, following which some customs are performed and from then onwards they get entitled to leave happy married life.
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