With an inspiration from learning about traditional Goan jewellery for the Indian bride, in this blog today, we’ll focus on the more eastern side of India by speaking about traditional Bengali jewellery that any beautiful bride can wear to look “Khoob Shundor”! Bengalis take gold as a symbol of prosperity and happiness, which is why they wear a lot of gold during their weddings, and also for the rest of their lives. If you are having a Bengali wedding, or just want to go the Bengal way because you’d like to, here are some traditional Bengali jewellery tips to help.
Tikli – The Maangtikka
Beginning with the forehead, we generally use the term maangtikka. The Bengalis call it the Tikli, which is worn in the middle parting of the hair. It is generally a gold or pearl string studded with precious stones, gold, or silver.
Nath – The nose ornament
This is a large nose ring worn to adorn the nose, which brings attention to the entire face.
Kaan/Jhumko/Phooler top – The earrings
These are three special Bengali style earrings. The Kaan is one that covers the entire ear, highlighting the entire face of the bride. The Jhumko is nothing but the jhumkas that we generally wear for any social functions or weddings. The Phooler top is a flower shaped ear stud, with the Pasha being a bigger version of this earring.
Paati haar/Chik – The necklaces
The Paati Haar is a rich extravagant necklace worn during weddings, as well as Durga Puja – one of the largest festivals of the Bengalis. For those who can't afford to wear such a lavish necklace, the Chik is the next best bet, which is a choker type necklace that generally does not touch the collar bone.
A variety of bangles
Bengalis is one caste that wears a variety of different bangles to adorn their hands. One of the most traditional, important, mandatory, and popular one is the Shakha Pola, which are the red and white bangles made of conch shell that we see almost every Bengali woman wear. Haater Goyna are broad bangles carved with intricate designs. Chur is another broad flat bangle made in gold. Beloyari Churi are gold bangles with cut designs, and Bauti are those with half-cut designs. Last but not the least is the Mantasha, which is a broad gold wrist-cuff with dangling strings of gold or pearls.
When you think of Bengali jewellery, you’ll generally think Kolkata. Undoubtedly, Kolkata is where you can get all such Bengali jewellery at every store, with a wide range to choose from. But, if you are sitting in Bangalore, you don’t need to fly all the way to the east, because you have Aura Jewels in the city itself! Aura Jewels is the best customized gold jewellery shop in Bangalore where you can have all the above Bengali designs designed and crafted especially for you. So, don’t catch the next train or flight to Kolkata; instead, take the next scooter, car, auto, or bus to none other than Aura Jewels to have your Khoob Shundor bridal jewellery made.
