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Types of Mangalsutras From Different States of India
Thu Apr 25 2024
Two hearts, one promise - marriage! India is diverse, with endless traditions, culture and religious beliefs. And one ceremony that is considered the most sacred among Indians is marriage. It is regarded as the holy union of two souls. Popularly, the ring or wedding band is the recognition that you are married, but in Indian culture, it is the mangalsutra that speaks out that you are taken.
Wedding thali designs differ based on certain factors, including the community, caste, religion and even where you reside. Through this blog, you will get to know the different types of thali designs available and their significance.
What is Thali?
Thali or mangalsutra are worn by married women and it is a combination of gold pendants with some black beads. Thali is worn by women to prevent the couple from getting an evil eye and to represent their union with happiness and mutual respect for a lifetime.
The wedding thali designs and their names are different in various regions. Purely based on the culture mangalsutra has over 15 names including Taagpaag, Tanmaniya, Thaali, Hirumangalyam, Dejhoor, Nallapusalu, Maangalyamu, Bottu, Pustelu, Vatis, Muhurthmani, Dhaaremani and Maangalya Sutra.
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The Meaning of Mangalsutra
The mangalsutra is a sacred ornament worn by women to symbolise marital status and their eternal bond with their husbands. Apart from that, the mangalsutra holds a spiritual significance and is considered a powerful emblem of love, commitment and divine blessings.
'Mangalsutra' is derived from the Sanskrit words 'mangal', which means auspicious or blessed, and ‘sutra’ means thread or cord. Along with the thali, women wear nose rings, bangles, toe rings, and other accessories such as vermillion and red bindi to show that they are married.
Different Types of Mangalsutra throughout India
There are varieties of thali designs for marriage and this table shows a glimpse of mangalsutras in different cultures.
|
Region |
Mangalsutra |
|
Kashmiri |
Dejhoor, Dijhor |
|
Bihari |
Taagpaag, looks like a standard mangalsutra |
|
Sindhi |
Standard black beaded mangalsutra |
|
Gujarati |
Standard black bead mangalsutra |
|
Maharashtrian |
Vati |
|
Sikh |
No Mangalsutra |
|
Bengali |
No Mangalsutra |
|
Oriya |
No Mangalsutra |
|
Marwari |
No Mangalsutra |
|
Telugu |
Pustelu, Mangalasutramu, Ramar Thaali, Maangalyamu, Bottu |
|
Kerala |
Minnu, Thali |
|
Karnataka (Coorg) |
Karthamani Pathak |
|
Tamil |
Thaali Kodi |
Read Our Guide on How to Pick the Perfect Indian Bridal Jewelry
Mangalsutras and Their Religious Importance
The thali holds significance in different regions among Indian families and here are some details on it.
-
Hindu Families
Mangalsutras hold immense religious and cultural significance in Hindu families. Hindu wedding thali is considered an essential part of the Hindu wedding ceremony and is believed to be a symbol of a woman's marital status and her commitment to her husband. While wearing Hindu wedding thali it is believed that it brings good luck, prosperity and blessings to the couple. There are also different types of thali according to the caste in Hindu families. Whatever the varieties are, this jewellery is the symbol of union.
-
Christian Families
While there is no direct equivalent to mangalsutras in Christianity, some Christian Indian families have adopted the tradition of exchanging rings during the wedding ceremony. But towards South India, the groom wears minnu something similar to the mangalsutra around the neck of the bride which symbolises she is married. Among Christian weddings, we can also see the tradition of exchanging heartfelt vows for their partner.
-
Muslim Families
In Muslim families, there is no specific tradition equivalent to the mangalsutra. However, during the Nikah, the exchange of rings is a common practice. The rings signify the couple’s commitment to their marriage and their promise to uphold the marriage forever. There are other traditions like applying mehandi to the bride’s hands and feet to bring good luck and blessings to the couple.
Different Types of Mangalsutras of North India
In most Hindu North Indian weddings, Mangalsutas play a significant role and it has a separate ceremony of its own. Among some Hindu castes, thali or mangalsutras are not considered mandatory. North Indian thali designs are different from those in other parts of India and you can also find different types of thali according to caste. Here are details on thali designs for weddings in some North Indian states.
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Bengali Mangalsutra
Among Bengali brides, there is no such tradition as wearing mangalsutras. To indicate they are married, they usually wear Shakha Paula bangles. The married women wear one set of these bangles on both of their hands.
-
Gujarat Mangalsutra
The mangalsutra design of Gujaratis is made up of black beads and intricate gold pendants.
-
Marwari Mangalsutra
The Marwaris didn’t have the custom of mangalsutra but over time they too started the custom of wearing them. It's not a mandated tradition among Marwaris if the groom’s and bride's families love wearing mangalsutras; they can wear them. Among Marwaris, chuda (wedding bangles) and a sacred thread to tie on her wrist are considered important.
-
Kashmiri Mangalsutra
For Kashmiri people, dejhoor is the same as mangalsutras. It's a gold ornament the size of an almond suspended through both ears, either by a gold chain or coloured thread, up to the chest from the day of the marriage. This ornament is worn by married women, who wish for the long life of their husbands.
-
Sikh Mangalsutra
The engagement ceremony of Sikh is known as the kurmai, where the bride’s family goes to the house of the groom carrying jewellery, clothes and sweets. The bride’s father presents the groom with a kada, a gold ring and a gold mohre. Later, these coins are strung into a black thread and given to the bride. She wears it around her neck like a mangalsutra and among Sikhs, the bride only wears it on special occasions. Chuda is a more important symbol for marriage among Sikhs.
-
Sindhi Mangalsutra
Mangalsutra has an inevitable place among Sindhis. They wear these mangalsutras made from gold with black and gold beaded chains. The groom's family brings the mangalsutra for the bride.
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Different Types of Thali of South India
Among South Indians, the thali is more popular than the mangalsutra. It has a long thread and a gold pendant, which represents the Goddess Supreme. The wedding thali designs are available in different varieties based on different religions, castes and regions.
The South Indian thali designs are different from North Indian ones, so are the names for them. They are most commonly known by the names thirumangalyam, mangalyam, thali, kodi or thali. The wedding thali designs can be different, which can be derived mythologically or based on family beliefs and customs.
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Tamil Thalis
Tamil thali designs are quite different from other marriage thali types. The typical Tamil thali designs symbolise the Tusli plant, family deity, and goddess Meenakshi. The thali chains are further elaborated or beautified by adding diamonds, gold coins, black beads, gems and others along with the main thali. To complete the look of the Tamil thali, it will be attached to a yellow thread or gold chain.
-
Kerala Thalis
In Kerala, mangalsutra or thali is quite common among both Christians and Hindus. Hindus call them Thali and they are designed with a leaf-like pendant. Among Christians, thali is known as Minnu, which is a pendant with a cross and the thali is attached to a chain made from gold.
-
Telugu Thalis
In Telugu traditions, mangalsutra are known by different names, including Ramar Thaali, Pustelu, Maangalyamu, Mangalastramu, or bottu. All these names depend heavily on caste, location and community. In Telugu culture, a common mangalsutra design consists of two round discs or coin-like pieces tied on a yellow thread. On the sixteenth day after the wedding, these two pieces are unified, symbolising the coming together of the bride and groom's families in harmony. Different communities follow various mangalsutra designs based on their traditional and cultural beliefs.
-
Karnataka Thalis
Mangalsutra in Karnataka is known as “Karthamani Pathak”. Karthamani and Pathak are two distinct jewellery pieces, where Karthamani is a thread or gold chain adorned with corals and gold beads worn together with Pathak, a gold pendant. The Pathak typically features a large gold coin engraved with the image of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, surrounded by small round rubies studded along the coin’s circumference.
Karnataka Bridal Jewellery Look
Style Your Thali with Designs That Honour Your Heritage from Joyalukkas
While you begin the sacred journey of marriage, thali or mangalsutra has an inevitable place in upholding your eternal bond. Joyalukkas offers you an exquisite collection of thali designs that can blend well to reflect your style. Whether you opt for a classic thali steeped in tradition or a contemporary elegance, we have the one just made for you. Visit our showrooms or online platforms to make your wedding jewellery purchase.
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