Jewels Of India — Celebrating Tradition Through India's Regional Bridal Jewellery

Weddings in India bring the most colourful shine to the cultural diversity of the country, with every ritual, apparel, and ornament telling a story. Brides in India are distinguished not only by their natural beauty but also by the great significance of their jewellery, which reflects age-old traditions, regional identity, and marital customs.

From Kashmir in the snow to Kerala in the sun, each state has its own exquisite bridal adornments, each steeped in tradition and meaning. Let's get an insight into each one of these iconic bridal ornaments representing the country and resonating with the heritage and spirit of the region.

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Kashmir — Aatheru:

This is an ear ornament that is a symbol of married women in Kashmiri Pandit; the Aatheru is made of three units – the Dejhoor, the Athoor, and the Atah. It symbolises the woman's status and family traditions.

Uttarakhand — Nathuli:

A large and intricately designed nose ring with pearl and gemstone embellishments, symbolising wedlock and an essential ornament for a bride's appearance.

Himachal Pradesh — Chiri Tikka:

A circular pendant worn on the forehead by brides, the Chiri Tikka adds charm and traditions to Himachali bridal attires, enhancing the bridal facial features and signifying grace.

Punjab — Chooda and Kalire:

The bride wears red-and-white bangles called 'chooda' with golden danglers 'kalire' that signify blessings, joy, and a prosperous married life.

Rajasthan — Borla:

Round maang tikka resting on a bride's forehead, Borla adds a regal touch to the Rajasthan bridal look. It symbolises traditional elegance and heritage.

Maharashtra — Mundavalya:

A pearl or flower harness strung across the forehead and temples, worn by the bride as well as the groom, signifying readiness for marriage.

Kerala — Manga Mala:

A mango-shaped pendant necklace worn by Malayali brides symbolising fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings.

Telangana — Vaddanam:

Ornate gold waist belt worn by a bride to hold her saree. It denotes wealth, stability, and cultural pride.

Bihar — Bichhua:

Toe rings symbolising a bride's married status, traditionally gifted by maternal relatives to the bride after the wedding rites, are of very ancient origin, dating way back to Vedic times, hence bestowed with femininity and fidelity.

West Bengal — Shakha Pola and Mukut:

Conch shell (shakha) and red coral (pola) bangles represent a bride's marital status, while the crown-like mukut adds majesty to the bridal look.

Assam — Dholbiri:

 

Conventional neckwear with motifs inspired by Assam's dhol drum, it celebrates the musical and cultural richness of the state.

Manipur — Likchow:

Stylish earrings worn by the Manipuri brides, Likchow connects traditional crafts to cultural significance in the bridal ensemble.

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