The Xorai is a traditional symbol of Assam

Assam

Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...

. In simplistic terms it is an offering tray with a stand at the bottom. There are Xorais with or without a cover on the top.

Materials

Traditional xorais are made of bell metal

Bell metal

Bell metal is a hard alloy used for making bells. It is a form of bronze, usually approximately 4:1 ratio of copper to tin...

 although nowadays they can also be made from brass

Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin...

 and/or silver

Silver

Silver is a metallic chemical element with the chemical symbol Ag and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal...

. Hajo and Sarthebari

Sarthebari

Sarthebari is a town and a town area committee in Barpeta district in the Indian state of Assam.-Demographics: India census, Sarthebari had a population of 7545. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Sarthebari has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average...

 (Xorthebaary) are the most important centres of traditional bell-metal and brass crafts including xorais.

Usage

• As an offering tray for tamul-pan (betel nut
  Betel nut
  The Areca nut is the seed of the Areca palm , which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa. It is commonly referred to as "betel nut" as it is often chewed wrapped in betel leaves.-Description:...
  
  s and betel leaves
  Betel
  The Betel is the leaf of a vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, which includes pepper and Kava. It is valued both as a mild stimulant and for its medicinal properties...
  
  ) to guests as a sign of welcome and thanks.
• 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
  Bihu dance
  The Bihu dance is a folk dance from the Indian state of Assam related to the festival of Bihu. This joyous dance is performed by both young men and women, and is characterized by brisk dance steps,and rapid hand movement...
  
  s (modern usage)
• As a gift to a person of honour during felicitations (modern usage)