7 Types of Bangles Worn by Indian Brides

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For the longest time, bangles have been an indispensable part of an Indian bride and by extension, an Indian married woman. Glass, gold or metal, these bangles are a part of a bride’s Solah Shringar and you will never see a bride without her stunning set of bangles. This piece of jewellery signifies good fortune and prosperity and is a mark of the husband’s long life.

The extensive list of regional communities present their own version of the bangles. Some are made with glass or metal, others are made with special items like ivory and conch shell. Take a look at the bangles of 6 regional communities of India:

Bengali

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Bengali brides traditionally wear red and white bangles. Shakha (white bangles) are made of conch shells while the Pola (red bangles) are made of red corals. It is believed that the bride has to be careful not to break these bangles during the first year of marriage and if it does, it is considered as a bad omen.

Kodava

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A Kodavathi (Coorg bride) wears Kadagas, hollow Gold bangles that clasp around the wrist. These can be single, double or triple bands and the Kadagas are generally decorated with rubies. The bride pairs these traditional bangles with colourful metal or glass bangles.

Punjabi & Sikh

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The maternal uncle generally gifts the Punjabi/Sikh bride with a set of choodas which are red and white in colour. To give the choodas a more festive and grand look, they are adorned with gemstones or diamonds.

Rajput

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Rather than wearing these on the wrists, the bajubands (armlets) are worn on your arms. Gujarati and Rajput brides are best known for these beautiful piece of jewellery. The Rajput bride also wears Bangdis (thick golden bangles) and choodas (set of ivory and gold bangles), reminding the bride to participate in the act of charity. 

Gujarati

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The Gujarati bride traditionally wears red and white (made from ivory) choodas on her wedding day. The general time duration having to wear those bangles is 45 days to 1.5 years. 

Maharashtrian

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We all are aware of the standard green glass bangles that Maharashtrian brides but along with that, the bride and newly-wed women also wear patlis (or patlyas) which are gold bangles adorned with traditional design and details. Green is a symbol of fertility for the bride and these glass bangles are worn in odd numbers on both hands. 

Malayali

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Down south, you will be graced by a stunning sight of the bride decked in gold jewellery. The thick kada bangles are called ‘thadavala’ while the thin ones are called ‘Ottavala’. The kadas can be round thick bracelets or flat, broad ones with intricate designs.