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13 Aug 2024
by Mia
13 Aug 2024
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Mangalsutra Across India: A Journey Through Culture and Tradition A mangalsutra is adorned by brides across India – in the form of non-dimmable gold pendants in the South of our country to pristine, diamond-embedded masterpieces up North. It is essentially a sacred thread symbolising the marital status of a woman. Beyond its significance as jewellery, it is a medium of manifestation for a lifelong bond between two star-crossed lovers. While the traditional make of a Mangalsutra features a combination of black beads strung along a bright yellow thread – several variations of it have been introduced across our diverse land, aka India! Different types of Mangalsutras have dominated big fat wedding ceremonies within various regions of the country. They particularly encapsulate the aesthetics & aura of a place. Not only that, women have now taken it upon themselves to personalise their mangalsutras, having it represent their dynamic personality and unique taste in accessorising! Modern women have been expressing their preference for minimal designs in jewellery, for a while now. So, there’s no reason to step away from this personal inclination when choosing a necklace that they’re going to have to commit to, for the rest of their lives. The sacred thread in its most evolved, trendy form - combines the ritualistic vein with an intricate, refined finish! While Mangalsutras represent the deep-rooted cultural significance associated with a destination – they are, indeed, an intricate visual depiction of the ‘spirit of a state’. Traditional, region-specific aesthetic appeal personalises an ornament, showering it with meaning. So, take a visual tour of India and its cultures spread across acres of land through Mangalsutra trends capturing their aesthetic essence!
Types of Mangalsutras Worn by Women Across India Women across India wear different types of Mangalsutras – either one with a simple yellow thread and black beads combination or a pendant with its centre infused with marquise-cut diamonds, among others. As Mangalsutra designs vary from state to state in India, there's much to explore in terms of aesthetics and cultural pointers within a place. Since this ornament is specially designed with traditions and ritualistic essence in mind – it has much to tell of the culture & mythology associated with a place. Learn about different types of Mangalsutra designs dominating the wedding scene, from the Himalayan Peaks up North to the Kanyakumari of Southern India:
1. Dijhor or Dejhoor in Kashmir The groom's family gives a Kashmiri bride earrings made of gold, wrapped up in a plain red thread. It is an intriguing variation of a classic Mangalsutra pendant design, essentially being earrings at the very first stage. Once the bride steps into her groom's family home, the plain red thread containing the gold is replaced by a gold chain. Due to the ornament’s one-of-a-kind allure, it is particularly representative of the Kashmiri identity featuring distinct traditional motifs – tying the bride to her ‘roots of origin’ even on the day she leaves home!
2. Taagpaag in Bihar Mangalsutra is called a 'Taagpaag' in Bihar, featuring a classic black beaded chain. It is the groom's family's choice as to what type of pendant they want to opt for. A popular trend in pendant choices for a Taagpaag is a 'minimalist charm'. As minimal designs are lightweight, they are an ornament that the Bihari bride can wear at all times. Whether she is running her daily errands or helping around the house, she is not weighed down by her heavy jewellery. Plus, in Bihar, the Taagpaag is worn in association with a toe ring – casting a protective aura on the wearer, from the Heart Chakhra (‘Anahata’) to the Root Chakra (‘Muladhara’).
3. Gujarati Mangalsutra in Gujarat
A Gujarati bride adorns a classic version of Mangalsutra featuring a gold centrepiece strung along black beaded chains. However, a traditional design does not limit a woman’s creative vision and love for the aesthetic galore. So, women choose diamond pendants and prefer a shorter chain to add a personal touch to the look. Not only are the diamonds iconic within the 'Department of Sparkle', but also signify desirable traits like purity, life-transcending beauty & ever-blooming love.
4. Vati Mangalsutra in Maharashtra
The Vati Mangalsutra design originating in Maharashtra is special for its visual appeal – featuring a black beaded chain and two gold ‘Vati’s, the term translating to bowls in English. The incorporation of the Vatis in the Mangalsutra design hosts cultural significance – the bowls representing ‘Shiva’ & ‘Shakti’. 'Shagun' & 'Nirgun' are the two black beads’ variations, forming a dual-chain moment - symbolising the ever-lasting bond between the husband & wife.
5. Karthamani Pathak in Karnataka In Karnataka, a ‘Karthamani Pathak’ is worn by brides based in Coorg - as a symbol of eternal love and sacred matrimony. This variation is an interesting take on the classic Mangalsutra design – featuring two different segments, namely the ‘Karthamani’ and the ‘Pathak’. While the Pathak is a gold pendant, essentially a large coin with Maa Lakshmi’s image engraved on it, the ‘Karthamani’ is composed of gold beads and corals. Variations of the Karthamani Pathak also may feature accents of rubies and dangling freshwater pearls – multiplying the style quotient by a margin!
6. Thaali/Bottu in Tegulu Telangana The Telugu Mangalsutra, referred to as 'Thaali', 'Bottu' or 'Pustelu' is a figurative ‘gold mine’ of meaningful associations. It features 2 round-shaped coins or discs, each offered by the groom’s and bride’s side of the family, respectively. The coins are tied to a yellow thread, forming a new ornament that the groom ties around the bride's neck. According to the ritual, the 2 discs are connected after 16 days. After the ceremony draws to a close, the bride takes a refreshing bath and adorns a new saree. This whole ritual is an effort towards establishing harmony between 2 families. Finally, women can opt for a diamond, gold or gemstone-studded pendant with the mangalsutra – keeping up with their style or the latest, trendy jewellery trends!
7. Minnu in Kerala The meaning and importance of Mangalsutra in Indian culture continues to be reflected through ‘Minnu’ variation of the ornament. It is adorned by a Christian bride, as a symbol of commitment & love. It is also a representation of the type of relationship that a bride and groom must nurture – similar to the sacred one shared between the ‘Church’ and ‘Jesus’. Small gold circular dot-like constructions form a cross on a heart-shaped medallion as part of the Mangalsutra design. The Minnu is passed through 7 threads, each symbolic of a contestant of the spiritual-union ceremony – like, the bride, groom, Church, and parents of both the parties.
8. Thaali Kodi in Tamil Nadu Most commonly seen during a Hindu marriage ceremony, ‘Thali Kodi’ symbolises a spiritual union between lovers and hope for their growing prosperity. During a certain 'Mangal Dharanam' ceremony, the groom bestows a 'Thali' on his beloved. A ‘Thali’ being made of gold, bears sacred images relating to a Tulsi Patta (or plant), a family deity, or an avatar of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. The groom’s family presents a Mangalsutra to their bride. So, they can opt for Mangalsutra designs featuring charms like gold coins, diamonds or gemstones to personalise the ornament. It adds a unique character to the Mangalsutra and personalises it to the bride's style.
9. Sindhi Mangalsutra in Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh
A Sindhi Mangalsutra is the closest in aesthetics to the classic Sutra design – featuring a gold & black beaded chain alongside a breathtaking centrepiece. Modern women prefer to opt for this minimally crafted yet fantastical-in-make pendant as it is not only stylish but also lightweight – making it wearable. So, women can style the Mangalsutra with different types of outfits – ranging from traditional sarees to smart, business-casual attires! There you have it! Wasn’t that a rollercoaster ride through a vast, country-wide museum of visual ecstasy? Now, the next section provides insight into how the Fashionista woman has personalised her Mangalsutra– to transform the ornament into something unique & special.
Modern Makeover of the Traditional Mangalsutra Design Here are some of the popularly noted trends traced through the sacred act of choosing an ideal mangalsutra, within homes across India: Opting for a Minimal Mangalsutra Design
By choosing a minimal make of Mangalsutra, the bride is allowed way more scope to be creative with her daily outfit picks. While being versatile enough to style with different types of closets, a minimally-designed Managlsutra is also easy to wear 24/7.
Choosing Mangalsutras ft. Diamond & Other Gemstones
While a yellow thread/chain and black beads remain constant through most Mangalsutra variations, opting for pendants with diamond or gemstone-embedded casts a modern spell on a traditional design.
Going for a Mangalsutra with a Personal Character
As the new wife leaves her parents’ home to join her husband’s family, she is bound to feel displaced at first. Then, she would love to hold on to something that feels like her own. So, the groom's family may choose a Mangalsutra featuring a meaningful charm, like the initials of the bride’s name, or a date which is special to her!
The final Word on the Masterpiece is the Mangalsutra Across a country particularly known for its cultural diversity and for hosting the grandest weddings – jewellery designs are far away from taking a backseat. Plus, mothers tend to start selecting the jewellery pieces for their daughters at the fresh announcement of a possible wedding! While various types of Mangalsutras are adorned by women across India, notions of infinite commitment and blessed bonding remain consistent. Discover designs of Mangalsutras online with us to find your cultural & aesthetic match in jewels.
