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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.