The Nuwoni ceremony pays homage to several important Hindu traditions, such as the use of turmeric and holy water. Turmeric is considered to have many aesthetic, healing, and spiritual benefits. Its significance goes back to Vedic texts, where it is referred to as a sacred herb with divine properties. The ancient Hindus associated turmeric with purity, protection, and prosperity. So, it is used in the Nuwoni ritual in Assamese Weddings to ward off evil spirits, clean the body and mind of impurities, and bring good health and happiness. The turmeric and sandalwood paste also has anti-inflammatory and brightening properties that will make their skin glow from within—just in time for their big day.  

In Hinduism, holy water is also known as ‘tirtha’ or ‘amrita’. It is believed to come from sacred water bodies and have purifying qualities. For instance, bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga is considered to wash away sins.

While the Nuwoni ritual might not use water from Ganga or Yamuna, the water represents holiness. It is believed to purify a person’s intentions and strengthen their connection with the gods. 

Many Hindus believe marriage between a husband and wife is for seven lives. Also, marriage doesn’t just exist between two individuals, but between two souls. By bathing in holy water, the bride and groom cleanse their soul of all things negative and prepare themselves for marriage for the next seven lifetimes.

For the Nuwoni ritual, the Assamese bride and groom wear simple, traditional clothes. The bride can wear a cotton or silk saree, kurta set, or skirt set, while the groom wears a kurta set. Since their clothing will be stained with turmeric, yellow and orange clothes are popular choices.

After the ceremony, the bride can change into a more elaborate ensemble — either a silk Mekhela Chador, Muga silk saree, or lehenga set. The groom opts for a classic silk kurta with a dhoti or a sherwani set. His look is incomplete without a Cheleng, a traditional shawl made from Muga silk.

Traditional Assamese jewellery pieces often feature designs inspired by Assamese flora and fauna. They are primarily crafted from gold and decorated with kundan, meenakari work, and precious stones. For the Nuwoni ceremony, the bride wears minimal jewellery, such as gold earrings with a Golpata, which is a gold choker with floral motifs. 

After the ceremony, the bride wears a piece of more extravagant jewellery, such as the Jon Biri, a heavy gold chain with a large moon-shaped pendant with rubies, emeralds, or pearls. She can also wear a traditional Dholbri necklace, a unique ornament with silk beaded threads and a drum-shaped kundan pendant. Some other options are Kerumoni, a long necklace with a round gem-laced pendant, and Loka Paro, a beaded necklace with pigeon-shaped pendants. The bride can pair these with gold chandbalis, jhumkas, or Thuria stud earrings.