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The Beauty and types of Mangalsutras

There is no culture as diverse and varied as India’s. Each region boasts of a unique culture, its own language, customs, and traditions. In Indian Hindu weddings, one of the most significant elements is the mangalsutra. The term Mangalsutra, of Sanskrit origin, is a combination of two words mangal and sutra. Mangal meaning auspicious and Sutra meaning thread – together mangalsutra means an auspicious thread uniting two souls. The auspicious thread is tied around the bride’s neck by the groom on the day of their holy nuptial as the significance that their relationship would be as auspicious as the thread. They are worn by brides of many states. In fact, the tradition associated with Mangalsutra is believed to have traveled from South India to North India. Consequently, it has come to be known by different names like Thaali, Mangalyam, Minnu, Dehjoor, etc. in different parts of the country. A mangalsutra is not just a piece of jewelry or a fashion accessory; it is a symbol of eternal love, respect, and trust that a husband and wife share.

Meaning and significance

The Mangalsutra: timeless and elegant; a nose ring, some choodis (bangles), toe rings, vermillion (sindoor) and a red bindi makes the Indian bride whole. The gold pendants with coupled with black beads on either side is meant to ward away the evil eye from the couple. The black beads have been said to absorb the negative energies focussed toward the couple and radiate only happiness for their life together. The beads are also believed to safeguard and protect the life of her husband.

The design of the mangalsutra remains pretty much in India standard varying between a plain gold chain or a chain with black beads. What changes is the design of the disc or vatis, which again has a myriad of names depending on the region.

Here is a quick view of mangalsutra across India.

Bengali – Bengalis have no tradition of mangalsutra. Married Bengali women wear Shakha Paula bangles mandatorily. Shakha comes from Shankha, meaning conch while Paula is made of corals. Every married woman wears one set of the bangle is worn on each hand.

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Sikh – The bride’s father or guardian gives the groom a gold ring, Kada (Gents Bangle) and gold mohre (coins). These coins are strung back into a black thread and given to the bride. It is similar to a mangalsutra worn by Hindu women. But the bride wears this thread only during special occasions. Wehttp://picturecoast.com/dding bangles are a more important symbol of marriage for Sikhs than anything else.

Sindhi – In a Sindhi wedding a mangalsutra is still an important part of the marriage. Generally made of gold, they are worn with black and gold beaded chains. The mangalsutra is generally from the groom’s side.

Marwari – The Marwaris do not have a tradition of mangalsutra, but over time have accepted that into their customs. It’s not mandated for a Marwari married woman to sport them. The important jewelry which is the identity of a newly married Marwari woman is the Chuda (wedding bangles) and the sacred thread tied to her wrist during the wedding ceremony.

Bihar - The married women wear a black beaded chain with gold pendant comparable to the mangalsutras and it is known as Taagpaag. Even among Biharis, the toe ring forms an important symbol of the marriage.

Tamil Nadu

It is mind-boggling to know that mangalsutras in Tamil Nadu come in over 30 shapes and forms.

Andhra Pradesh

Popularly known as Pustelu or Bottu. It consists of two discs or plates separated by a gold chain. Mangalsutras in South India commonly follows a similar pattern, with two discs and a gold chain.

It is interesting to note that one disc is presented by the groom’s family and the other one is bought by the bride’s family completing the mangalsutra.

The bottu comes in various types. It can be plain or have some intricate designs on it.

Karnataka

The Kannadigas call it by the name of Maangalya-Sutra. Its design consists of two hollow vatis and made of two round golden plates along with corals, freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones, and black stones/beads.

Also, it is common to see a turmeric dyed thread with a piece of Turmeric tied to it used as a mangalsutra in marriages.

And not too long ago, the trend of Mangalsutra bracelet became a fad. With trends changing constantly, the designs are reinvented too. It has to be added that it is such a blessing to be able to celebrate such diversity in our Indian Culture.

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