" Aage diye paase diye panchoaayotiye..Durbaghaator paani aani aaideur murot diye.."
**************
" Pisbaarir dhaapote fesaai kuruliyaai..Aajire pora baaideur gotra singi jaai.."
**************
The celebrations of the marriage ceremony in Assam are the manifestations of marvellously rich Assamese culture.These celebrations not only ends the spinster life of an Assamese girl but these are the blessings rituals for a couple before entering domestic life.
The couple takes marriage vows in presence of Agni as to be there for each other in each and every steps of their new life.
The newly wedded girl is called 'Nou Boari ' and from the first day after marriage she is supposed to stay with her husband and in laws and consider the new home as her actual home.A girl enters the groom's house as bride and stays here throughout her life.This shows the sacrifices and patience the girl possesses and it is possible because of the beautiful mind full of inner beauty in her.
During her married life the newly married girl learns and gathers experiences about how to run a home ,a family and how to bring up her children.Her mother in law plays a vital role in moulding her as a perfect home maker.A mother in law sometimes may be strict,sometimes loving and sometimes seeking love from the bride.Care for her in laws is appreciated by the family whenever it is needed and most of the time they anticipate selfless care from her .She serves and does every needful to ensure them that she places groom's parents in the place of her own parents.She regards the siblings of her husband as her own siblings.
It is believed that a good Boari always abides by her husband and his parents.For a good Boari it is mandatory to obey their advices and do as she is told.
In rural areas the married ladies weave pricelessly beautiful clothes such as Gamusa,Seleng Sador, Tongali, Sador ,Mekhela ,Eri Sador ,Riha etc.It is an expression of the extraordinary artistic sense she carries in her.At the weaving place she sings biyanaam with her friends.
The married ladies will get up early in the morning, take bath, wear her red bindi and vermillion and offer prayer to Tulasi Plant and gods.The red bindi and vermillion symbolise that the lady has already committed to her husband.Unmarried girls never use vermillion.During special occasions she uses Jetuka to decorate her palms and nails.
During the festival times she prepares various delicacies to feed her family and guests.Til Pitha,Ghila Pitha,Naarikolor Laru,Tilor Laru,Sutuli Pitha,Sira, Doi,Komol Chaul,Chunga Pitha,Bora Jolpaan,Saandoh,Muri,Hurum etc are the prime dishes she prepares.
In Rongali Bihu,she renders out a bihu naam while preparing mouthwatering pitha ponaas.These biyanaams and bihunaams are the proofs of her heart touching poetic compositions.
In Kaati Bihu,the married woman lighten an earthen lamp beneath the Basil Tree and sing..
"Tulasir tole mrigopahu sore..Taake dekhi Ramochandrai Horo Dhenu dhaare.."
Then she will distribute Maah Prasad among the children.Also,she lighten a clay lamp called Saaki in the Paddy fields inviting Aai Lakhmi to enter in her house.
In Bhogali Bihu,no one can resist the odourous smell of the pithaa pona and vivid jolpaan.On the day before Magh Bihu she cooks Haanhor Maangso,Borali Maas,Pitika,Paani Tenga,Bondha Kobi and Phool Kobi Aanja,Poora Maangso and so on to celebrate the traditional feast.The lady offers prayer to Meji in the morning then after and ask for blessings from the elders.
During the month of Bhaado these young ladies go to Naamghar and perform Naam with the elder ladies.She wears a Riha along with her regular clothes to show respect
to God and her elders.
A married lady with 'Orani' is regarded as the most beautiful lady by her husband.It is well charmed by the shy smile she wears whenever she catch sight of her husband.No other gift,no matter how precious it may be, but a Bihuaan woven by her could be the perfect gift for him on a special occasion.
*******
