The Significance of Payal (Anklets) in Indian Culture & 20+ Latest Designs in 2025

Image Credits: Pinterest

Payals are unique accessories in Indian culture because they are known more for their sounds than their appearance. Of course, this does not stop people from seeking out intricately crafted Payal designs for their wedding! And why should it? Like any other accessory, these payal designs reflect your tastes and personality. Thus, they should be chosen with care.

In this article:

• Significance of Payal in Indian Culture
• Types of Traditional Payal Designs in India
• Modern and Trendy Payal Designs in 2025
• Where to Buy the Best Payal Designs
• Care and Maintenance Tips

If chosen haphazardly, your payal designs will enhance your bridal ensemble or create a jarring effect. We will show you how to do the former and avoid the latter!

Significance of Payal in Indian Culture

Imagine a soft, rhythmic jingle announcing someone’s arrival even before they step into the room. That delicate sound? It’s the timeless Payal, an anklet that has been adorning the feet of Indian women for centuries. Payal designs, or anklets, are more than just a piece of jewellery; they hold deep cultural, spiritual, and even emotional significance in Indian traditions. From ancient mythology to modern bridal fashion, payals have gracefully stood the test of time, adding charm and meaning to a woman’s journey. Payals are not just aesthetic accessories. They carry a spiritual significance, too. In Hindu culture, the feet are regarded as a connection point with the earth and divine energy. Payals, especially those made of silver, are believed to absorb negative energies and keep the wearer grounded.

New brides are gifted beautifully payal designs as part of their wedding jewellery. The soft chime of the payal is said to bring positivity and prosperity into her new home. It is also believed that the gentle tinkling of the anklets wards off negative energies and welcomes happiness into the couple’s life. Whether worn with ethnic bridal lehengas or casual fusion outfits, they symbolise grace and tradition in today’s fashion world. A payal is not just jewellery; it’s a piece of heritage, love, and culture passed down through generations. Whether it’s the soft jingle announcing a bride’s arrival, the playful steps of a child, or the simple joy of wearing something meaningful, the charm of payals remains as magical as ever.

Types of Traditional Payal Designs in India

Meenakari Payal Design

Jewellery: Gehna Shop 

A true celebration of artistry, Meenakari Payal designs with intricate baraat motifs, elephants, and royal umbrellas are perfect for the bride who loves heritage and storytelling in her jewellery. This stunning piece pairs beautifully with a heavily embroidered Rajasthani or Banarasi lehenga, adding a splash of colour beneath the hemline. 

Starts from INR 3,500

Kundan Payal Design

Jewellery: Sanvi Jewels 

Nothing says timeless royalty like a Kundan Payal! With its uncut gemstones set in gold, this design exudes a vintage Mughal-era charm, making it an exquisite choice for brides. Best worn with lehengas in pastel or jewel tones, these Payal designs shine beautifully under the wedding lights, adding a touch of sparkle to your every move. 

Starts from INR 8,500

Temple Design Payal Design

Jewellery: Ogaan

Inspired by South Indian temple jewellery, these Payal designs are all about intricate carvings of deities, floral motifs, and heritage elements in gold or antique finishes. A must-have for a bride wearing a rich Kanjeevaram sarees or traditional silk saree, these anklets carry a divine and auspicious aura. 

Starts from INR 12,000

Polki and Jadau Payal Design

Jewellery: Kaashnii 

For the bride who wants to make a statement, a Polki and Jadau Payal with an attached foot chain is an absolute stunner! Wrapping elegantly around the ankle and extending to the toes, this elaborate piece is perfect for royal and extravagant weddings. Best paired with an opulent bridal lehenga or sharara designs in deep hues, it adds unparalleled grandeur to the feet. 

Starts from INR 4,500

Kolhapuri Saaj Payal Design

Jewellery: Daivik 

A nod to Maharashtrian heritage, the Kolhapuri Saaj Payal design, iconic red stones, and dainty gold ghungroos blend tradition and elegance. Perfect for a Marathi bride wearing a vibrant Paithani saree, this design brings an earthy yet festive charm to the overall look. The soft chime of its ghungroos adds a rhythmic grace to bridal movements, making it a meaningful and musical addition to the wedding ensemble. 

Starts from INR 3,500

Rajasthani Payal Design

Jewellery: Tribal Ornaments 

A bold and striking choice, the thick silver Rajasthani Payal design is perfect for brides who love heritage jewellery with a touch of royalty. With its intricate carvings and antique finish, this Payal pairs beautifully with a traditional Rajputi wedding dress, like the poshak or a heavily embroidered lehenga. 

Starts from INR 32,500

Beautiful Payal Design for Wedding

Jewellery: BeAbhika

This Payal design is the perfect match for brides who adore elegance with a touch of colour. The white and green Kundan embellishments add a regal touch, complementing lehengas in pastel, ivory, or deep green shades. Ideal for a Mughal-inspired or Nawabi bridal look, this design pairs effortlessly with matching Kundan jewellery.

Starts from INR 4,880

Stonework Payal Design

Jewellery: Mata Payals 

For the bride who loves a bit of sparkle, the stonework Payal design is the perfect blend of shimmer and sophistication. Whether adorned with American diamonds, rubies, or emeralds, these Payals dazzle your bridal feet. Pair them with an embellished lehenga or a saree in jewel tones to enhance their brilliance. 

Starts from INR 32,400

Pearl Payal Design

Nothing says timeless elegance like pearls, and a multi-strand pearl Payal is a dream for any bride who loves vintage charm. This design pairs effortlessly with pastel or ivory outfits for a soft, romantic bridal look, adding a delicate and sophisticated touch. 

Starts from INR 3,000

Ankle Kada Payal Design

Jewellery: Jaypore 

If you’re looking for a blend of strength and beauty, an ankle Kada Payal design in silver is an excellent choice. Featuring intricate carvings and a bold, structured look, this design is perfect for brides who love a fusion of tradition and modernity. Pair it with a Banarasi or Paithani saree to highlight its detailed craftsmanship. The sturdy yet elegant design makes it a lifelong keepsake, symbolising strength and beauty in equal measure.

Starts from INR 37,800

Oxidised Ghungroo Payal Design

Jewellery: Nykka Fashion

For the bride who loves drama and tradition, oxidised ghungroo Payal is a mesmerising choice. The constant rhythmic chime adds a playful, celebratory vibe to every step. Best paired with a bohemian lehenga or a vibrant mirror-work ghagra, this Payal is perfect for brides who want a hint of folk charm in their bridal look.

Starts from INR 3,200

Contemporary Payal Design

Jewellery: Ensemble India 

A unique mix of tradition and modern flair, this Payal is perfect for beach weddings or Mehendi ceremonies. The gota and cowrie shells add a fun, festive touch, making it an excellent match for pastel lehengas or breezy, flowy skirts. It’s an effortless way to add a trendy, boho-chic element to your bridal ensemble.

Starts from INR 6,000

Minimal Silver Payal Design

Jewellery: Teejh 

Less is more, and a single-chain Payal proves it beautifully. This Payal is a delicate, sleek design for brides who love subtle elegance. It pairs effortlessly with contemporary sarees, fusion gowns, or even minimal lehengas, offering a refined charm that complements any outfit without overpowering it.

Starts from INR 1,700

Unique Stone Payal Design

Jewellery: Kaashnii 

For brides who want a pop of colour, this Payal design with dangling purple stones is a fresh and elegant pick. It adds a regal yet playful touch, whether paired with a lavender lehenga, a jewel-toned saree, or even an Indo-Western bridal outfit.

Starts from INR 3,500

Nazariya Payal Design

Jewellery: Zavya 

Rooted in tradition and believed to ward off negativity, a Nazariya Payal design is meaningful and stylish. Perfect for brides who love to blend cultural significance with fashion, this design pairs well with classic silk sarees or simple embroidered lehengas.

Starts from INR 5,250

Modern and Trendy Payal Designs in 2025

Modern Payal Design

Photography: Vinay Goyal Photography

Traditionally, payals were worn by married women to symbolise their status. There are many different Payal designs for the modern bride to explore. Some of these include the following. However, these anklets are worn as accessories when wearing Indian attire. Interestingly, payals are not just a part of Indian culture but were also extensively used in Ancient Egypt and Arab countries. 

Heavy Payal Design

Payals can be considered a variation of Ghungroos – heavy anklets worn by dancers adorned with giant bells. These anklets were inappropriate for daily wear, so payals were crafted as an alternative jewellery item.

Pearl Payal Design

Credit - Pinterest

If you plan to wear pastel-coloured clothing during any wedding function, you should consider wearing Meenakari or pearl payals.

Oxidized Silver Design

Photography: Lalit Photography

Oxidized silver is a very popular form of jewellery, especially among younger women. This is because they have a ‘gypsy’ vibe and can create an interesting effect when coupled with Western attire. Oxidized silver payals are ideal for lighter ceremonies during your wedding, as they have an informal air. 

Meenakari Payal Designs

Image Credits - Pinterest

That’s not to say that it does not exude a luxurious vibe! Meenakari payal designs are often delicate, with reds, blues, greens, and pinks being the most commonly used hues.

Kundan Payal Design

Kundan is one of the most popular styles of traditional Indian jewellery. This style uses raised gold moulds to place uncut diamonds and other gems. As a result, both the gems and the element of gold are popping. If you plan to wear a Kundan set during your wedding, you should hunt for matching Kundan payal designs to create a cohesive look. 

Peacock Payal Design

If you want traditional Indian jewellery that exudes a flirty, playful vibe, peacock jewellery is ideal. This jewellery style is girlish and fun, with intricate enamel work raised around colourful gems. 

Diamond Payal Design

Nothing says luxury and wealth like diamonds do. These jewels can blend in perfectly with almost any type of ensemble. Diamond payals can lend an understated elegance to your entire look, making this accessory perfect for any night event sticking to a regal theme.

Where to Buy the Best Payal Designs

A stunning pair of Payal designs can elevate your entire look, whether for a traditional, boho, or contemporary style. But with so many designs and materials available, where do you find the perfect Payal that matches your vibe? Let’s explore some of the best options!

1. Luxury and Designer Payal

If you’re looking for intricately crafted, high-end Payal that are perfect for bridal wear or special occasions, these brands offer exquisite designs:

• Tanishq – Known for its fine gold and diamond jewellery, Tanishq has a traditional and modern Payal collection that adds a regal touch to your ensemble.
• PC Jeweller – Their gold and silver anklets are perfect for wedding trousseaus and festive occasions.
• Kalyan Jewellers – If you’re looking for heavy Kundan or temple-style Payal, Kalyan Jewellers has a mesmerising collection.

2. Online Shopping Platforms

Do you love scrolling through hundreds of options from the comfort of your home? These online platforms make Payal shopping super easy:

• Amazon India is a go-to for affordable Payal, including silver, oxidized, and trendy designs with charms and ghungroos.
• Flipkart offers a variety of styles, from minimalist chains to heavy Rajasthani Payal, at budget-friendly prices.
• Myntra – If you’re into Indo-Western fusion, check out Myntra for sleek and stylish Payal that pairs well with ethnic and casual outfits.
• Ajio Offers trendy, boho-chic Payal, perfect for those who love quirky and statement pieces.
• CaratLane – Their lightweight, delicate gold Payal is ideal for modern brides or daily wear.

3. Traditional and Handcrafted Payal

Nothing beats the charm of handcrafted Payal made by skilled artisans. If you’re a fan of intricate filigree work, temple jewellery, or antique designs, check these places out:

• Tribes India – A government-backed initiative that sells handcrafted silver and tribal jewellery, including Payal with intricate tribal motifs.
• Jaypore – A paradise for handmade jewellery lovers, Jaypore offers stunning silver and oxidized Payal inspired by India’s rich heritage.
• Fabindia – Known for its artisanal products, Fabindia has an exclusive range of silver Payals that are both elegant and timeless.

4. Local Markets

If you love the thrill of exploring markets and bargaining for the best deals, head to these famous jewellery hubs in India:

• Chandni Chowk, Delhi – A paradise for brides-to-be, this market offers every kind of Payal imaginable, from silver ghungroo styles to heavy Kundan work.
• Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai – The ultimate destination for silver and gold Payal, whether you’re looking for everyday wear or intricate wedding designs.
• Johari Bazaar, Jaipur – Famous for Kundan, Meenakari, and oxidized silver Payal full of Rajasthani charm.
• Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad – Known for its beautiful silver Payal with pearl embellishments and intricate Nizami designs.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Wondering how to keep your gorgeous payal designs in the best shape? Read on to learn more about their care and maintenance. 

Caring Tips for Payal Designs

Your Payal designs symbolise grace, tradition, and personal style. Keeping them in their best shape requires a little love and care. Here’s how you can ensure they always sparkle:

• Keep Them Dry – Moisture is the enemy! Remove your Payal before showering, swimming, or even leaving in the rain.
• Avoid Contact With Chemicals – Perfumes, lotions, and household cleaning agents can dull the shine and weaken the metal. Always wear your anklets after applying any skincare or fragrances.
• Gentle Cleaning – Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your Payal after every wear. Soak them in mild soapy water for deeper cleaning and gently scrub them with a soft brush.
• Handle With Care – Payal can be delicate, especially those with intricate designs or embellishments. Avoid tugging or stretching them too much to prevent breakage.

Storage Tips for Payal Designs

Proper storage can extend the life of your Payal and keep them looking as dazzling as the day you bought them! Here’s how to store them right:

• Separate Compartments – Store each pair in a soft pouch or a jewellery box with individual slots to prevent tangling and scratching.
• Use Anti-tarnish Strips – Placing anti-tarnish strips in your jewellery box can help keep silver Payal from oxidizing.
• Wrap Them Up – For heavy, stone-studded, or gold-plated anklets, wrap them in a muslin cloth before storing them. This protects the delicate work from dust and scratches.
• Keep Away from Sunlight – Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can fade intricate enamel or stonework over time. Store them in a cool, dry place.

How to Prevent Tarnish and Discolouration?

Nothing is more disappointing than seeing your favourite Payal lose its lustre. But with some care, you can prevent tarnishing and keep them shining like new!

• Regular Wear Helps – Unlike other jewellery, silver anklets stay shinier when worn regularly. The natural oils from your skin help prevent tarnish.
• Store With Chalk or Silica Gel – These absorb excess moisture, keeping your Payal from quickly oxidising.
• Use a DIY Polish – Mixing baking soda and lemon juice can work wonders in brightening your silver Payal. But be gentle and test on a small area first!
• Replating for Gold Payal – If you have gold-plated anklets, consider re-plating them every couple of years to maintain their shine.

Your entire bridal ensemble is made with every piece of accessory you may add to your look. Thus, do not shrug off any element of your attire, thinking it’s too small to be noticed. Pay special attention to every aspect of the outfit to create a stunning look you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

More Bridal Jewellery Inspiration For You: 

1. A Step-by-step Guide to Pick the Right Ring Size

2. Latest Thali Designs with Prices

3. Latest Mangalsutra Designs for the Brides

4. Top Floral Jewellery Brands

5. Nath Designs