Solah shringar literally means the sixteen adornments of a bride. It alludes to the ritual by which the Indian bride is embellished from head to toe. The solah shringar shines and gives birth to the divinity within the beauty of the woman.
According to Hindu mythology, solah shringar corresponds to the ‘sixteen phases’ of the moon which is believed to be connected to a woman’s menstrual cycle and has a negative effect. It is believed that this ritual counteracts this effect. The term shringar symbolizes the goddess Lakshmi, who is an ideal wife and signifies luck, prosperity, and fertility. An Indian bride is referred to as Lakshmi who brings luck, wealth and prosperity to the new family.
Below are the sixteen different accessories and jewelry that solah shringar encompasses.
Keshapasharachana:
Kesha means hair, pasha means herd, and rajana means arrangement. The kesha or hair is braided according to tradition, in keeping with the outfit. It is then adorned with gajra, flowers.
Mang-Tikka or Mang-Teeka/ Mang-Patti/ Bhor or Borla:
This is usually made of precious metals like gold and embellished with precious stones. It is worn in the center part of the hair and falls down the center of the bride’s forehead.
Sindor:
Sindoor refers to the vermilion applied to the forehead of the bride. It is a sacred symbol of suhag or married woman, similar to the wedding band in Western countries. It denotes the aspect of fulfillment that a woman achieves when she is united in the sacred bond of marriage.
Bindi/Tikka or Tilak:
This has a religious connotation for most women. Traditionally, it is a circular vermilion dot in the center of the forehead, just above the eyes. It symbolizes the dedication of a woman towards her husband.
Anjana/Kajal:
This is the kohl applied to the lower lid of the eye. Highlights and accentuates the beauty of the bride’s face.
Nathan:
The bride is required to wear a nath, or nose ring, to look ethnic and traditional. It is made of gold and embellished with diamonds or pearls and is worn in the left nostril. It is held by a gold chain that extends from the ear.
Karn Phool/Jhoomars:
These are the heavy ornate earrings that can be fastened with a chain that connects to the side of the bride’s head.
Mangal Sutra/Haar:
As a bride, you will adorn necklaces or hair of various lengths, which signifies prosperity. One of which is mangal sutra, given to the bride by the groom.
Baju Band:
These are bangles or bangles worn on the upper arms over the sari.
Choodian:
The bride wears bangles and bracelets made of gold, glass, ivory, and other precious materials that symbolize a long life for her husband.
Mehandi:
Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet in beautiful, intricate designs. Its dark color personifies love and affection between the couple.
hatphool:
A bride wears eight rings attached to a medallion through chains. She covers the top of the hand. If she includes the thumb ring then she is called aarsi. Describe love.
Kamarband/Kardhani:
This is a beautiful belt or waistband that is placed around the waist of the bride to hold up the sari.
Pay:
These are the anklets the bride is wearing. Besides the anklets, her feet are colored with the red color called Mahur or Alta in thick designs.
Bichua:
These are the toe rings that a bride is supposed to wear until the death of her husband.
hour:
This is the general attraction of the wedding. It is mostly red in color, and gold embroidery is considered a favorable sign of future success. Red symbolizes purity and the union of two souls.
And finally some itar or the perfume gives the final touch to the complete trousseau of Solah Shringar. These decorations and decorations enhance the beauty of the bride and give her a wonderful and heavenly look for her Indian marriage day.