Xorai on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
The ''Xorai'' (), a manufactured
bell metal
Bell metal or bell bronze is an alloy used for making bells and related instruments, such as cymbals. It is a form of bronze with a higher tin content, usually in approximately a 4:1 ratio of copper to tin (typically, 78% copper, 22% tin by mas ...
product is one of the traditional symbols of Assam
Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
, which is considered as an article of great respect by the people of Assam. In simplistic terms it is an offering tray with a stand at the bottom which is used in felicitations also. There are ''Xorai''s with or without a cover on the top. Hajo
Hajo is a historic town set in the hills northwest of Guwahati, Assam, India. It is a meeting point of Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims due to the various pilgrimage sites on the different hills of Hajo. To the Hindus, the Manikut Parbat of Hajo ...
and Sarthebari
Sarthebari (IPA:ˌsɑ:θəˈbɑ:rɪ) is a town and a town area committee in Bajali district in the Indian state of Assam. Sarthebari is home to the bell metal industry, the second largest handicraft of assam after bamboo craft. The nearby villa ...
are the most important centers of traditional bell-metal and brass crafts in Assam.
Usage
*As an offering tray for ''tamul-pan'' (betel nut
The betel (''Piper betle'') is a vine of the family Piperaceae, which includes pepper and kava. The betel plant is native to Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen, dioecious perennial, with glossy heart-shaped leaves and white catkins. Betel pla ...
s and betel leaves
The betel (''Piper betle'') is a vine of the family Piperaceae, which includes pepper and kava. The betel plant is native to Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen, dioecious perennial, with glossy heart-shaped leaves and white catkins. Betel p ...
) to guests as a sign of welcome and thanks.{{Cite web, url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/sourav-ganguly-speaks-about-ms-dhoni-s-position-leading-into-the-world-cup/story-9NaHPRRTs3oPUZ3lMf9LDM.html, title=Sourav Ganguly speaks about MS Dhoni's position leading into the World Cup, date=2018-10-22, website=Hindustan Times, language=en, access-date=2019-07-02
*As an offering tray for food and other items placed in front of the altar (''naamghar'') for blessing by the Lord.
*As a decorative symbol in traditional functions such as during Bihu dance
The Bihu dance is an indigenous folk dance from the Indian state of Assam related to the Bihu festival and an important part of Assamese culture. Performed in a group, the Bihu dancers are usually young men and women, and the dancing style is cha ...
s (modern usage)
*As a gift to a person of honour during felicitations (modern usage)
See also
*Culture of Assam
The culture of Assam is traditionally a hybrid one, developed due to cultural assimilation of different ethno-cultural groups under various political-economic systems in different periods of its history.
Historical perspective
The roots ...
* Bell and brass metal crafts of Assam
* Traditional crafts of Assam
*Tamol in Assamese Culture
References