Hindu marriages are a symbol of love and a bond between two individuals that are meant to last until their last breath. Two people come forward and form a bond with their mutual understanding and commitment.
Every Hindu marriage has five symbols: the gold mangalsutra, the toe ring, the sindoor, the nose pin, and the bangles. This article focuses on the mangalsutras from different societies and cultures that everyone must know.
What is a Gold Mangalsutra?
A mangalsutra is a holy thread that symbolizes love and a bond between the couple. It is generally made of black beads threaded into a gold chain. The black beads are an essential element of every mangalsutra, as they are believed to protect the bride and groom from evil eyes and any other negative energy.
The word mangalsutra is the combination of two words, “mangal” and “sutra,” which mean “holy” and “thread,” respectively. The groom ties this holy thread around the neck of the bride during the wedding ceremony. The bride wears it throughout her life, as long as her husband stays alive.
Types of Mangalsutras from Different Cultures
- Maharashtrian Mangalsutra
It is also known as the vatimani or watimani mangalsutra. This is because it is made of two bowl-shaped vatis pendants and a black beaded gold chain. The two vatis are the symbols of Shiva and Shakti. The black beads in the mangalsutra protect the couple from any negative energy and evil eyes.
- Telugu Mangalsutra
It is a uniquely designed mangalsutra with a disc-like pendant tied with a yellow thread. During the wedding ceremonies, the groom ties two gold discs with yellow thread around the bride’s neck. The elder family member connects these two discs 16 days after the marriage. A gold wire is used to connect those discs. This is a Telugu tradition performed in the presence of the groom and other members of the family.
- Bihari Mangalsutra
The Bihari mangalsutra is named “Taagpaag.” It is a general gold mangalsutra designed with golden and black beads and a pendant of any choice. Other than the mangalsutra, Bihari ladies wear toe rings to symbolise marriage. It is believed that the pressure created by the roe rings keeps the woman’s reproductive system healthy. The toe rings are called “bichwa.”
- Sindhi Mangalsutra
Like every Hindu marriage, Sindhi marriages are incomplete without a mangalsutra. It is also designed with a black beaded chain and a gold pendant with the design of the bride’s choice. Many love to wear stone-studded, trendy mangalsutra pendants on their special days.
- Kashmiri Mangalsutra
It is a one-of-a-kind design of a gold earring woven in a red thread. This is given to her by the bride’s parents during the wedding ceremony. After the wedding, the gold chain replaces the red thread when she arrives at the groom’s house. The gold chain is called “Aath,” which is gifted to the bride from the groom’s family as a welcome gift.
