Bodo Wedding Reception and Rituals

Upon the arrival of the bridegroom's and bride's parties at the groom's house, members of the groom's family wash the bride's feet with water at the front gate as a welcoming gesture.

During the bride's reception, two 'Bwirathi' lead the procession to the groom's house. They carry a 'Sandri' (sieve) with a lit 'Alari gasa' (oil light) covered by a 'gisib' (bamboo fan), which they use to fan the bride. The procession shouts 'Hinjao gwdanni jwi' ('Glory to the new bride'). Another maid sprays rice from a bamboo basket towards the participants until they reach the groom's house.

The bride stands on a 'Gambari Kamplai' (wooden plate) at the main gate. The groom's younger sister, or a relative sister if none, sprinkles holy water and washes the bride's feet. This ritual is believed to purify the bride after her journey. The girls washing her feet ask for money before allowing her to enter.

After the reception, the bride's party is seated in the 'Noma No' (main house) and provided with Dwi (water), Saha-Muri (tea with fried rice), and Goi-Patwi (betel with leaf) until the marriage ceremony begins.

Throughout the marriage ceremony, 'Barlangpha' and 'Bairathies' perform traditional songs and dances, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.