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| Marriage
Manu's Prajapati mode is the usual rule for marriages in Assam. The proposal
for the girl's hand comes from the boy's family and then follow the other
formalities. Elopement is generally discouraged. The eloping couple is
generally accepted in the boy's family after they formally beg pardon
of society represented by village elders who after imposing a fine lets
them off. In Assam, Kinship is treated with great importance. Sons and
daughters of uncles and aunts are all brothers and sisters, like those
of one's own parents. Child marriage is practically unknown. A boy marries
from the age of 16 and a girl from the age of 14. The most age for boys
is 18 or 19 years and for girls is 15 years. If a young boy likes a girl,
he sends his father or both the parents to the girl's father, betrothal
ring or bracelets with the girl. Sometimes a gourd of rice beer
is taken and accepted. If after acceptance, the girl gets married to another
boy, the village council fines the girl's family. The length of the engagement
is not uniform. After a day has been fixed for the marriage, both the
families prepare beer and strong drinks. If the bridegroom's party has
to go through difficult villages he has to give a gourd of beer to each.
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