The Bangle Ceremony: Everything You Need to Know About this Wedding Ritual
A bangle ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual performed differently in different states. Let’s examine the custom in detail.
Photography: Kingdom Madness Photography
Bangles, like sindoor and mangalsutra, hold immense significance in the life of a married Hindu woman. Symbolising suhaag, or marital auspiciousness, they complete her Solah Singaar. They are more than mere accessories. A married Indian woman wears bangles made of glass, lac, or gold to signify prosperity and good fortune. A bangle ceremony is a significant wedding ritual — an initiation into marital life. Every aspect of this ritual, from the colours and materials of the bangles to the person who adorns the bride with them, holds deep significance.
Intrigued? We've covered everything from what a bangle ceremony is to its significance, decorations, and dresses for brides. Read on to satisfy your curiosity and discover ideas for your ceremony!
In this article:
- What is a Bangle Ceremony?
- Significance of Bangle Ceremony and How it’s Celebrated in India
- Coloured Bangles and What They Symbolise?
- Bangle Ceremony Decoration Ideas
- Bangle Ceremony Dresses for Brides
What is a Bangle Ceremony?
The bangle ceremony is one of the most significant rituals of a Hindu wedding. It is a blessing for the couple as they begin their new married life. Typically, it is conducted at the bride’s home on the morning of the wedding. In some states, like Punjab, the bride’s maternal family provides the bangles; in others, the groom’s family brings them for the ceremony. Whether they are the red and white Punjabi Churas or the green and red glass bangles worn in other states, every colour holds significance, welcoming the bride into her new life and bestowing blessings upon her.
Significance of Bangle Ceremony and How it’s Celebrated in India
Photography: Jodi Clickers
The bangle ritual is an integral part of Hindu wedding customs. The bangles used in this ceremony, usually in red and green, are considered sacred and symbolise blessings for a joyful married life. While the name and specifics of the ceremony may vary from region to region, its significance remains universal. Here’s a look at how this ritual is observed in different states:
Punjab
The Punjabi bridal attire is incomplete without the traditional red and white Chura. This bangle ceremony, performed on the wedding morning, also includes the addition of Kalire — gold and silver dome-shaped bells — attached to the Chura by friends and cousins.
Maharashtra
Green is the colour that defines a Maharashtrian bangle ritual. This auspicious colour symbolises a married Maharashtrian woman. Modern trends include wearing a mix of green bangles and golden Kadas. You can do the same, combining tradition with a contemporary touch.
Gujarat
The bride's mother performs the Gujarati ceremony to bless her in her new married life. Gujarati brides wear an eclectic mix of traditional gold, green and red bangles.
Kerala
No bridal look in Kerala is complete without heavy gold jewellery, which includes golden Kadas or bangles. The Malayali bangle ceremony takes place at the bride’s place amidst her family and is done to bless her with a happy married life.
Karnataka
Kannadiga brides wear simple glass and golden bangles in vibrant colours like yellow, blue, green, and red. Combined with golden Kadas, these bangles add a trendy touch to their traditional look.
Rajasthan
In the Rajasthani ceremony, brides wear colourful bangles with Lehariya work, which is made of lac and decorated with stones and pearls. These exquisite bangles lend a royal look, reflecting Rajput heritage.
Bengal
In Bengali households, the bride wears bangles made of Shankh (conch shell) and Paula (red corals), symbolising marital bliss. The bangle ceremony is conducted by seven married women at the bride's home.
Coloured Bangles and What They Symbolise?
Every Indian bride wears bangles of various shades. Do you know what they stand for? Do read them:
- Red bangles in a bangle ceremony: Red symbolizes prosperity and positive energy. It is the most common colour seen on bangles worn by married Indian women.
- Blue bangles: The colour blue symbolises wisdom. Every mother wishes her daughter to begin her new life using her knowledge and intellect.
- Green bangles: The green colour stands for fertility and good luck.
- White bangles: They symbolise the start of a new life.
- Silver bangles: They signify strength.
- Golden bangles: They stand for prosperity and fortune.
- Orange bangles: They stand for success.
Bangle Ceremony Decoration Ideas
Punjabi Bangle Ceremony Decoration
What better way to celebrate the Chura ceremony than against a floral backdrop? Create a simple setup with yellow and orange marigold hangings for a fun photo booth at your ceremony.
Bangle Ceremony Tray Decoration
Credits: Pinterest
The bangle ritual tray is a significant part of the ceremony. You can decorate it with fresh marigold flowers arranged in concentric circles around the edge of the plate.
Bangle Ceremony Cake
Credits: Pinterest
Your bangle ritual cake can be the centre of attraction at your event. Have it be made in a bangle box or as a bangle set atop a traditional cake.
Bangle Ceremony Bangles Hangings
Credits: Pinterest
Using bangles as decorative elements is another fun idea for your ceremony. We assure you that your guests will love getting clicked in front of your unique bangle hangings.
Bangle Ceremony Decoration Ideas at Home
Credits: Pinterest
Create a simple setup with a floral halo, white curtains and fairy lights. Add a cushioned bench for the rituals to take place.
Bangle Bar for Guests
Credits: Pinterest
Add a playful touch to your ceremony by setting up a bangle bar for your guests. It can be a fun way to offer wedding favours and provides a great photo-op to show off those bangle ceremony poses.
Bangle Ceremony Dress Ideas for Brides
Beige Embroidered Sharara Set
Photography: Jodi Clickers
A bride deserves to dazzle. Opt for an elaborate embroidered beige sharara set, just like Surbhi Chandna wore for her Chura ceremony.
Pink Lehenga for Bangle Ceremony
Outfit: Kalki Fashion
Another excellent idea for your bangle ritual dress is a bright pink lehenga. Paired with a ruffled dupatta, the vibrant colours will make you stand out.
Rose Gold Tissue Saree
Outfit: Kalki Fashion
If you prefer a traditional look, opt for a gold-toned tissue saree for an elegant bridal appearance. The classic saree will never let you down.
Unique rituals mark the bangle ceremony as one of the most significant wedding traditions in every state of India. While the styles of bangles may vary, the ceremony’s purpose is universal — to bestow good luck, health, and prosperity upon the bride-to-be.
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