The Tel Diya ceremony is rooted in Assamese wedding tradition and has been followed for generations. It marks the start of the bride’s journey to becoming a wife and being accepted into her husband-to-be’s family. The groom’s mother plays an integral role in this tradition, which shows how important family is to the Assamese people. This tradition helps build feelings of goodwill, respect, and love between the families.  

The sindoor or vermillion powder used in Tel Diya also has much significance to the Assamese bride. In Hindu culture, sindoor is a representation of a woman’s marital status. Women wear it to protect themselves from negative energy and to show devotion to their husbands. Also standing for fertility and fidelity, it is one of the Solah Shringar or sixteen ornaments of a bride as put down in the Vedic scriptures. 

During the Tel Diya ceremony, the bride typically wears a traditional Mekhela Chador or a silk saree. Mekhela Chador is an Assamese ensemble made of a pleated skirt and a draped upper garment. Typically made from Muga silk, these pieces are exquisitely embroidered with gold and silver zari with a large brocade border.

Besides this, the bride can also wear a silk saree made from Muga, Pat, or Eri silk. These are made locally in Assam and are known for their opulent feel and graceful designs. The motifs in these sarees are often inspired from Assamese floral and fauna, adding more meaning to an already beautiful ensemble.