The Horai: More Than a Platter — A Symbol of Assamese Hospitality

The Sacred Platter of Assam

Walk into any Assamese home during Bihu, and you'll be greeted with a beautifully arranged Horai — a traditional bell-metal platter piled high with tamol-paan (betel nut and leaf), pithas (rice cakes), and seasonal fruits. But the Horai is far more than a serving dish.

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What is a Horai?

A Horai (হোৰাই) is a round, flat platter traditionally made from bell metal (a distinctive alloy of copper and tin). The process of making bell metal products is concentrated in Sarthebari, a small town in Assam's Barpeta district, where families have been practicing this craft for generations.

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Cultural Significance

In Assamese culture, the Horai represents abundance, prosperity, and the spirit of community sharing. During the three Bihu festivals:

Bohag Bihu (April): The Horai overflows with gamosas (traditional towels), sweets, and seasonal delicacies

Magh Bihu (January): It carries til pitha (sesame rice cakes) and laru (coconut balls)

Kati Bihu (October): Small lamps are placed on the Horai as offerings

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The Artisans of Sarthebari

The bell-metal artisans of Sarthebari use techniques that have remained essentially unchanged for centuries. The metal is heated to extreme temperatures, poured into clay molds, and then painstakingly hammered and polished by hand. A single Horai can take 2-3 days to complete.

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Preserving the Tradition

Today, organizations and cooperatives are working to ensure that these artisans receive fair wages and that young people continue to learn this ancient craft. When you purchase a Horai, you're not buying a platter — you're investing in a cultural legacy.