Mangal sutra: Introduction and history
Mangal sutra is the sacred Hindu symbol of matrimony. Mangal (meaning holy) and sutra (meaning thread) signify the union of marriage. It is an ornament worn by Hindu married women as a symbol of their marital status. During the wedding ceremony, the groom ties the mangal sutra around his bride’s neck while uttering his religious vows.
The origin of mangal sutra dates back to 6th century AD and since then has undergone drastic shifts of design pattern changes. In the present days, mangal sutras are mostly made out of gold string and the traditional black beads. The black beads are known to have protective powers while the sutra signifies the bond that represents the couple.
Mangal sutra: Influence across regions
In India itself, there are striking differences in the mangal sutra worn across regions. Down south, the sutra is a yellow thread with a gold penchant based on the historical ‘kankana bandhana’. The golden thread carries a pendant in the form of ‘shankha’ and ‘chakra’. Whereas, a gold sutra along with black beads and two bowl-shaped gold bearings is currently in vogue in the northern parts of India.
A gold string with black beads and two bowl-shaped spheres placed in the centre of the mangal sutra is what the Maharashtrian women wear. In the Marwari and Gujarati community, diamond pendants are common. They're attached with a string of black beads combined with gold beads.
The fishermen community usually wear two mangal sutras - one in the name of their husband and another one in the name of their deity.
Goan women usually wear a gold string interspersed with coral and gold beads coupled with the idol of their female deity (Lakshmi).
Mangal sutra: Fashion orientation
With today’s fashion conscious generation of women, mangal sutra design has undergone a sea of change. From the golden thread to beads to pendant, all components of the mangal sutra can be customised as per the bride’s preferences.
Mangal sutra: Things to consider when buying one
In an age of designer and made-to-order mangal sutras, compromise should take a back seat. Choose wisely.
Budget
Budget plays a vital role in deciding whether to opt for a heavy or a light one, whether to include diamonds or basic black beads, whether to keep a lengthy or a short one. Depending on the size of your pocket, the jeweller will showcase the range that suits you. As a bride-to-be or as the groom-to-be or as a family, you’ll need to take an informed decision and gauge if that mangal sutra will be worn beyond the first few days/months of the wedding day and invest accordingly.
Occasion
In keeping with today’s style trends, different designs of mangal sutra are brought for different occasions. Long, heavy and flashy mangal sutra are usually reserved for traditional Indian functions and light or short mangal sutra are preferred for work or daily use. Spoilt-for-choice women even buy and upgrade their mangal sutra at every new design collection that springs up during wedding seasons.
Metal composition
Usage of gold may not necessarily suit everyone. Some women prefer silver or white gold over regular gold and may choose accordingly.
Pendant
Although brought by the groom’s family, the bride-to-be needs to decide if she wants to make a choice between different types of pendants available that can go with the different types of necklace options or settle for ready-made sets. It is advisable to choose a unique pendant that suits the bride’s personality although the choice really depends on multiple factors. Made-to-order diamond themed pendants are the new trend which also add regality to the design.
Beads/Thread
Contemporary designs encourage a minimalistic and simple look whereas the traditional options weigh in a heavy barrage black bead composition coupled with gold.
Design and pattern
This aspect should be left to the bride’s judgement. Pick a pattern that not only represents your personality and but will also remain fashionably relevant for a long time to come. Ranging from geometrical modern gold designs to diamond only pendants to hanging earring-like pendants, the bride needs to be given full freedom to make her pick.
Accessories
Mangal sutra earrings and bracelets have added versatility to the customary mangal sutra thus beating the mundane look. A bride can choose to wear the accessories in tandem with the primary mangal sutra or just wear and flaunt either of the accessories as a sign of her marital status.
Authenticity
If you want to make a worthwhile investment and stay clear of all authentication related doubts, always buy from a trusted jeweller and check for the gold stamp, BIS mark, grade of diamonds and a valid stamped bill.
The quintessential mangal sutra not only remains the focal point of the wedding day but also remains the most prestigious part of a woman’s jewellery collection.
Time to revamp your traditional jewellery? Happy shopping!
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