A Maharashtrian Bride?s List of Blush & Plush from Mundavlya to Jodvi

Posted by swapnil jukunte on February 7th, 2019

A rare convergence of all cultural diversity into an amalgamated bejewelled nation has resulted in a spectacular variety of brides and bridal attire. The country witnesses signature style wedding rituals and jewelleries of different community and culture ranging from Bongs in the East to Marathas in the West, from Kashmiris in the North to Tamilians in the South.

A Maharashtrian wedding is  a simple, yet elegant and traditional event. It includes a long list of rituals – pre-and-post-occasion.

• Engagement Ceremony also called Sakhar Puda
• Kelvan Ritual – Families pray for a blessed wedding and have lunch
• Maharashtrian version of Haldi Ceremony called Halad Chadavane
• Bride offers a puja with her family which is called Gaurihar Ritual.
• Bride’s father gives away his daughter to the groom in Kanyadan Ritual
  Saptapadi Ritual – Couple takes 7 rounds around a pious and holy fire.
• At the end of wedding ceremony, everyone blesses the couple as they start a new chapter in their life. (Karmasampati Ritual)
• Vaarat – The tearful ‘vidai’ of bride
• Bride enters the groom’s house with a puja in Grihapravesh ceremony

The image of a bride through all these rituals, clad in a bright and bold coloured sari, a shy smile playing across her lips, a slight blush in her cheeks adorned with traditional jewellery – is  one inducing a smile on the beholder’s face. Maharashtrian bridal jewellery is unique and has an elegance that is exclusive:

Mundavalya – It is a (or two) string of pearl, which is tied horizontally across the forehead. Two more pearl strips drop down from either side of her face too. This enhances the bride’s already glowing face. It is also worn during Gaurihar Ritual

Nath – Nose pin is a popular accessory used by all women used all over the nation. However, the Maharashtrian version of it varies in its design. The nath worn by Maharashtrian brides is woven in pearls. The centre of it has either a white, pink pearl or ruby, diamond in it.

Kolhapuri Saaj – This piece of Maharashtrian bridal jewellery originates from Kohlapur. The gold necklace set has 21 pendants engraved in it. Out of these 10 signify the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu – one is a ruby, one an emerald, the other 8 are ashtamangalas.

Tanmani - A neckpiece of 3-4 string pearls with a few colourful pearls strung in to enhance the beauty.

Thusi – A gold choker with gold or pearl beads and might at times have an extension where pendant of precious stones can be added. The name was given as it rhymed with the word ‘Khushi’ meaning happiness.

Vaaki – An armlet on each hand, which is made from gold and ruby or emerald, is studded in it to add to the grace

Choora – A set of green glass bangles with gold bangles added at certain intervals. The green colour is symbolical of fertility. The slow tinkling sound of bangles enhances the image of a blushful bride.  

Jodvi – Silver toe-rings gifted by mother-in-law to the new bride. This symbolizes the ‘Shubh’ entry of a bride into a groom’s household.

Maharashtrian bridal jewellery in all its sophistication and glamour enhances the elite yet joyous Maharashtrian wedding keeping it clad in its proud traditional origin.