It is not a hidden fact that a bride in India is supposed to dazzle in her wedding with her bridal jewelry and not look lesser than the grand wedding venue. In India, we have the term called Solah Shringar, its literal meaning is sixteen adornments, in Indian tradition for the longest time through ancient times it is believed that a bride should adorn herself with sixteen adornments. This tradition started from the story of Rati, the wife of Kamdev, who is the God of love. As Rati was engaged in the presence of goddess Lakshmi, she was blessed with the sixteen adornments from Lakshmi, to impress and marry Kamdev. Of the sixteen adornments that were blessed by goddess Lakshmi, each of the adornments carries its own meaning. The list of solah shringar carries Sindoor, Maangtika, Keshapsharachana, Bindi, Kajal, Karn Phool(flowers of the ears/ earrings), Nath, Haar (necklace), Bajuband, Bangles, Hathphool, mehendi, Kamarband, Payal (Anklet), Itar, bridal outfit. Let's discuss some important jewelry that is worn by Indian brides.
Maang tikka- Maang Tikka is a very important accessory for the bridal look. As it is placed in the middle of the forehead it is the home of Ajna Chakra or the third eye. When the bride wears the piece of Indian Bridal jewelry on her special day, she is believed to be connected with her third eye and has the ability to control her emotions and activate her knowledge, wisdom, courage, and willpower.
Jhoomar: The Crescent moon shape of the Jhoomar has a symbolic meaning, it represents the moon phases, the changing emotions of a human being which is controlled by the left side of the brain.
Jhumka: When a bride does solah Srinagar one of her main focal point is her earrings, and Jhumkas cannot go wrong to enhance her facial beauty. They are typically huge with their bell-shaped beauty, they can be traced back to the Chola dynasty, with ancient temple statues.
Bali: Bali or Chandrabali are also very beautiful earpieces that make another great choice to adorn your ears. Balis are typically shaped round or crescent moon shape as they are called chandrabali that hark back to the time of the Mughals.
Nath(Nose ring): The nath is one of the significant ornaments in Indian bridal jewelry, they come in multiple styles and every culture and region has its own style of wearing them. In Hindu tradition, it is believed that Goddess Parvathi blesses the bride with an abundance of love, affection, and care from her partner.
Mangalsutra: A sacred and most significant piece of the bride’s bridal look. It is also referred to as the ‘Sacred Thread’ that binds the husband and wife. This is why, it is important for the groom to put it on himself on the bride’s neck during the sacred bonding ceremony.
Kamarbandh or waist Belt
Kamarband can not be worn for bridal looks but also for traditional ceremonies or rituals. Their sole purpose is to enhance the feminine figure and be a part of that beauty.
Kada/Kara or Kangan: Kada/Kara or Kangan has a very significant meaning in a woman's life is her strength, her identity, and her culture. Bridal Kangan are usually made with gold and they are worn in stacks so they can be filled with lac bangles too. In Hindi, the word “lac” means “playfulness” which is why this type of bangle signifies the husband’s love for them.
Bajuband or Vanki: Bajuband are widely popular across Maharashtra and South India because of Indian classical dancers to protect their upper arms from friction caused by intense movements. Over time, they became a popular accessory of jewelry among Hindu families in some regions and became very significant ornament for bridal jewelry.
Even though Bajuband and Vanki both are worn on the upper arms, Vanki has its signature V-shape which is usually made of precious and even artificial metals. Another thing about Vanki is they are easy to put on the biceps without creating any pressure over the arms, as they have an adjustable locking feature.
Hathphool or Hand Harness: The literal meaning of Hathphool is “flower of the hand”, it is a beautiful mixture of a bangle/bracelet and a ring. The hathphool is originated from Persia, but popularized by Mughal queens, and through time it has been adapted to most Indian weddings, specifically by Rajputana royalty in Rajasthan.
Payal/Anklet: A Payal/Anklet is an ornament worn on the ankle, it usually comes with simple chains but it can be decorated with beads, pearls, small stones, and bells. In Hindu traditions, Payal isn’t supposed to be made out of gold as the goddess of wealth Lakshmi is symbolized with gold, which is why they are mostly made with silver.
Wrapping up
Indian jewelry stands as a vibrant testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions. It is always fascinating how Indian weddings are so grand and nothing can outshine the bride. It wouldn't not an extravagating to say nothing can outshine the beauty of the bride when she is donned in her solha shringar.
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