How Assamese people celebrates first menstruation period?

In Assamese culture, the first menstruation of a girl is an important milestone, marked with a set of traditional rituals that celebrate her transition into womanhood. This ceremony, known as 'Tuloni Biya' literally "small marriage", is a deeply symbolic occasion that involves various customs and practices.

These rituals vary slightly based on family and community, but the core essence remains the same: a celebration of fertility, womanhood, and the girl's new role in society.

Ritual Significance:

The 'Tuloni Biya' ceremony is rooted in the belief that menstruation is a natural and sacred part of a girl's life cycle. It is seen as the start of her journey into womanhood, and the rituals emphasize respect for the girl's body and the importance of this life phase. The ceremony symbolizes fertility, the potential to bear children, and the continuity of life. Traditionally, such events were viewed as a rite of passage, marking the girl’s readiness for adulthood.

Seclusion and Care:

When a girl gets her first period, she is often kept in seclusion for several days. This period of seclusion is seen as a time for rest and recuperation, as well as for spiritual and physical cleansing. During this time, the girl is cared for by her mother or close female relatives, who provide her with special food and care. It is believed that she should avoid strenuous physical activity during this period to maintain her health.
The seclusion is also a time for the girl to reflect on her new phase of life, and often, elders will give advice about womanhood, marriage, and family life. The girl’s physical appearance is also given special attention, with her hair and body often being oiled or treated to symbolize purity and cleanliness.

Traditional Clothing:

On the day of the 'Tuloni Biya' ceremony, the girl is dressed in traditional Assamese attire, typically a 'mekhela chador' a two-piece silk garment worn by Assamese women. The attire is chosen carefully as it signifies her newfound womanhood. The girl may also wear jewellery such as bangles, earrings, and a tika to mark the special occasion.
In many families, the girl is also adorned with a 'bindi' on her forehead, a traditional symbol of womanhood in many parts of India. The attire and accessories are meant to represent beauty, grace, and the transition into adulthood.

Purification Ritual:

A significant part of the ceremony is the 'snan' that the girl undergoes, which symbolizes purification and the removal of impurities. The bath is usually taken with water mixed with turmeric or other sacred substances, believed to purify both the body and spirit. The ritual is conducted with much reverence, and prayers are often recited for her well-being, fertility, and health.

Offering of Food:

In Assamese tradition, food plays a central role in many ceremonies, and the 'Tuloni Biya' is no exception. Special meals are prepared for the girl, usually consisting of nutritious and simple food items like 'khichdi' ', rice with curd, or sweets like 'pithas' The food is believed to nourish the girl’s body and prepare her for her new role in life. Some families also offer fruits and other delicacies, as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Blessings and Prayers:

After the purification ritual, the girl is blessed by her elders, particularly by her mother, grandmother, and other female relatives. These blessings are meant to ensure a prosperous future, good health, and fertility. Elders may recite prayers for her well-being and offer advice on womanhood, relationships, and life. This moment is deeply emotional and symbolic, reinforcing the girl’s place in the community and the importance of her transition.
The community also plays an important role in this ceremony. Relatives and close friends often gather to witness the event and offer their blessings. It is a communal event, showcasing the support of family and community for the girl as she steps into adulthood.

Symbolic Marriage:

One of the more unique aspects of the 'Tuloni Biya' is the symbolic "marriage" ritual. The girl is often married to a banana tree or a neem tree, representing fertility and the nurturing aspects of womanhood. This symbolic marriage reflects cultural beliefs about the sanctity of marriage, fertility, and family life. In some cases, the girl may also receive gifts, such as clothing, jewelry, or money, symbolizing good fortune and wealth.

Community Feast:

The 'Tuloni Biya' ceremony often concludes with a community feast, where relatives and friends gather to celebrate. Traditional Assamese dishes are served, and the atmosphere is filled with joy, music, and dance. This communal aspect emphasizes the girl’s integration into adulthood, supported by the love and respect of her family and community.

The celebration of a girl’s first period in Assam is much more than a cultural ritual; it is a profound acknowledgment of her growth, her place in society, and her role in sustaining the traditions of her family and community.

Through rituals such as seclusion, purification, blessings, and symbolic marriage, the 'Tuloni Biya' ceremony honors the natural cycles of life, offering the girl a joyful and respectful entry into womanhood.