Indian Accessories

Every girl longs to look at her best or as beautiful as an angel on her wedding day since it is the

most special day in her life. Her parents also dream to see their loving daughter in the bridal costume since her birth. It is an occasion for others who were anxiously waiting to have a glimpse of her in the enchanting costume. Keeping this in mind, Indian fashion designers make an exotic variety of bridal costumes in fabulous designs and patterns. These wedding trousseaus include exclusively made Indian bridal Lehangas, elegant Bridal Sari and graceful bridal Salwar Suits. These dresses are made up of rich brocade decorated with exquisite embroideries, studded pearls, diamonds and other precious gemstones. Hindu bridal dresses are usually red, pink and maroon in colors.

Each ethnicity creates its own style of wedding. Maharashtra, brides are bedecked in a Paithani sari while in Jammu and Kashmir brides go in for a bridal wear usually comprising tight trousers and heavy embroidered Kurta. Tamil brides are draped in an elegant 6 or 9 yards Kanjeevaram silk sari along with a chic choli. Punjabi brides opt for either a heavily embellished sari or a designer Bridal Lehanga with shawls having phulkari embroidery. Parsis and Catholic brides wear white color wedding dresses. Brides in the state of Bengal are dressed up in a Benarsi silk sari made up of rich lovely brocade

Red Chunari or dupatta has a significant role in the bridal wear. Chunari, made in the Bandhani style is the most popular form associated with the bridal costume.. Though bridal trousseau definitely has a religious importance in the present era it represents more of a fashion statement. Fashion designers exhibit their skill in producing bridal costumes with very delicate designs and prints. People do not hesitate to spend crores of rupees to buy the best of bridal wears. Indian culture is very rich and each region has something special to Contribute such as mirror work of Rajasthan, Phulkari embroidery of Punjab, Leharia print of Gujarat and other popular works like Kundan, Resham, Zari and Zardosi are actually ruling the fashion kingdom

Bindi or a red holy dot traditionally is worn by an Indian Hindu woman on the forehead between the two eyebrows in the belief that Bindi will protect her and her husband. It is believed that

bindi on that spot opens her spiritual third eye. Another version is that the most important chakra is present between the eye brows and the bindi will prevent the loss of energy through that point. Also bindi has a connection with Yoga and Ayurvedic principles.

Bindu is a term derived from the Sanskrit word bindu meaning a dot. The traditional color of bindi is red and it is made with vermilion/ tikka powder. Married women in North India used to wear bindi as a small red dot on their forehead. Red color was believed to bring all the fortune to the bride and her family. The family’s welfare and honor were preserved by the red bindi of the bride. In due course bindi evolved into a fashion accessory and attained various shapes and colors. Girls of all age groups began to wear bindi of different colors and styles. Today the color and shape of the bindi match with the outfit worn by a person. Now bindi has become an indispensable item with saris, salwar suit, lehenga and any other Indian costumes.

Belly dancers use bindi as a beautiful accessory and bindi has an important place in ethnic dance costume and body art. Today bindi is considered as a decorative item and even unmarried and non-Hindu women in India, Bangladesh and other countries of South Asia wear this little gem. Presently, self adhesive bindi known as stickers made of felt or thin metal are available with adhesive on one side. These are simple to apply, disposable substitutes for older tilak bindis. Sticker bindis come in many colors, designs, materials, and sizes. Fancy sticker bindis may be decorated with sequins, glass beads, or rhinestones for extra dazzle.

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Indian Dupatta is an unavoidable accessory along with salwar kameez. Indian fashion dupatta can not be considered as a traditional wear any more since it has found a place in the arena of fashion world. Dupatta is known by different names like Chunni, Chunari and Odhni. North Indian ladies drape this attire over their heads while they go to temples to offer prayers. But it is not a custom among South Indians. Even today rural women cover their head with a shawl called chunaria showing respect towards elders. The main advantage of Dupatta is that it can fit well with most of the wardrobes, irrespective of classic ethnic or trendy Indo western style. Actually ethnic costumes will never be complete without a dupatta.

The role of a Dupatta is to add grace to the garment. They are available in all bright and radiant colors. They look more attractive with beautiful beads and mirror work on them. When the word Dupattas is mentioned the first name that enters our mind is Lal Dupattas of Rajasthan. These Rajasthani dupattas, red in color, are simply enchanting especially when worn on white color salwar suits. The elegant tie and die prints, known as Laharia provide the magic charm to the Lal Dupattas. Bridal dupattas are too expensive having embroidery works done on them using golden threads. Dupattas worn on religious functions and very special occasions are also costly.

Usually readymade salwar sets include a matching dupatta also. Suit material available for stitching also has a matching dupatta attached to it. In addition several textile shops separately sell dupattas in various fabrics like thin cotton, silk, crepe, georgette, nylon etc with or without prints and designs.

Draping styles of dupatta have evolved paving ways for new fashion trends. Many ladies drape the dupatta over both shoulders with the central portion covering the chest. Some will fold it neatly lengthwise and attire it only on one shoulder. Modern stylish ladies let their gorgeous dupattas hang around their arms. .

In olden times both Indian men and women used to wear garlands as a part of the evening dress. This custom was followed by a practice, painting the forehead with a bindi or tilaka known as ‘Visesakachhedya’. Also, leafy bindis, thin and tender leaves cut into different shapes, were placed the forehead. Leafy bindis, known as other names such as ‘Patrachhedya’, ‘Patralekha’, ‘Patrabhanga’, or ‘Patramanjari’, were also pasted on the neck, palm, chin, breast and other parts of the body, decorated by sandal paste and other natural ingredients.

Religious significance: The central area between the eyebrows, where the bindi is placed, is supposed to be the sixth charka or ajna the seat of “hidden wisdom”. According to beliefs this chakra is the exit point for kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration and to protect the lady and her family from demons or misfortune..

Myths and Significance: The vermilion, used to make bindis, is called ‘sindoor or ‘sindoora’ meaning red and representing Shakti or strength. Bindi also stands up for love; the red dot on the forehead gives a special charm to the lady’s face that attracts her lover. Sindoor and yellow turmeric are kept in temples and during celebrations, as a good omen. This represents intellect and is very special in temples dedicated to Hindu Gods Shakti, Lakshmi and Vishnu.

Sindoor in Scriptures: The significance of ‘Sindoor’ and ‘kumkum’ differs on different occasions. The practice of placing kumkum on foreheads has been highlighted in Puranas (ancient texts) like Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Lahhari. Importance of kumkum is emphasized in Indian religious texts, epics, scriptures etc…In legends we see Radha, sweetheart of Lord Krishna, turning her bindi on her forehead into a flame-like design and Draupadi, wife of Pandavas removing her bindi from her forehead in sorrow and disillusion in the epic Mahabharata. Red bindi is associated with the ancient ritual of offering blood sacrifices to please Gods. An ancient Aryan bridegroom used to make a bindi on the bride’s forehead on wedding day. When an Indian woman becomes a widow she stops wearing kumkum. When there is a death in the family the women do not wear bindi as an indication of mourning.

In ancient India, women used to wear bindi on their foreheads to highlight their marriage status. But today it is not only a fashion statement but has become the most beautiful accessory causing sudden attention. It requires certain skill and practice to achieve a perfect red dot on the forehead. Some women are expert in applying a perfect round bindi by taking a pinch of vermilion powder on their fingertip. For certain nimble-fingered ladies it is a difficult task. There are small circular discs and hollow pie coin for their rescue. The disc is placed on the forehead and a sticky wax paste is applied on the empty space in the disc. Then the empty space is covered with kumkum or vermilion and the disc is removed leaving a round bindi on the forehead. Ingredients in the red dot are sandal, aguru, kumkum and sandoor, made of zinc oxide and dye. Saffron and kusumba ground together also produce red dot.

Bindi is available in various colors, shapes and designs. To mention a few intricate designs are beadwork, handprints, meenakari work, kundan, and studded stones, pearls and diamonds. In addition to the traditional bindis there is an outstanding variety such as fancy bindis, designer bindis and bridal bindis. Designer bindis include several popular body art bindis like crystal bindi, Belly Tattoo Bindi, Glitter tattoo bindi, Arm/Wrist Band bindi, Tikka bindi, Crystal Belly Bindi, pendent bindi, crystal finger bindi, hair bindi, chin bindi, crystal eyelash bindi and crystal nail bindi. TV personalities are responsible for new bindis known as Parvati bindi, Ramola bindi and Saans bindi available in the designer shops.

There is a bindi style for every person to suit her type and character. For pretty courageous ladies there are bindis in the shapes of crescent moon, heart, stars, trees, snakes etc sparkling, radiant and bright colors. each personality type. For bold and beautiful, we have bindis in various shapes of stars, half moon, heart, tree and snakes in glittery, shiny and bright colors while simple and quiet type opts for oval, square, diamond shape bindis or a mere dot in black or dark maroon color. Liquid bindi and kumkum bindi are also in the fashion market; needless to mention the hassle free stickers.

Mehendi is a small plant grown in tropical region. When the leaves of this plant are dried and ground we get a rusty red pigment used to make beautiful designs on the palms and legs. This paste has no adverse effects on the skin; at the same time its cooling effect is good for the skin. While mehendi dye is applied to the body to create intricate patterns it causes no pain and it is an excellent alternative to permanent tattoo.

Mehendi has become a synonym for Hindu wedding since mehendi is one of the most auspicious jewels of married women and Hindus very often use the word mehendi instead of marriage. Mehendi has an indispensable place in a marriage that it is not possible for any one to imagine a marriage without mehendi. It is true that several other festivals and religious functions are celebrated using mehendi. But only Hindu wedding has become synonymous with this wonderful red paste. Ladies and even men love to get their hands to be decorated with intrinsic patterns using mehendi dye.

We see a number of religious rites before and during a Hindu wedding and mehendi have a very significant role to play, such that an Indian marriage cannot be complete without it. The rustic red color of the mehendi symbolizes prosperity and the bride wearing this color is supposed to bring fortune and prosperity with her to the new house. And mehendi’s role is very vital and auspicious in all wedding related rites.

During Mehendi ritual, conducted the day before the wedding, the girl and her female relatives and friends come together and the bride-to-be’s hands, palms, waist and feet will be decorated with the red color mehendi producing intricate patterns on those parts. This is an occasion for joy and fun. Even the groom will be given a mehendi touch.

Mehendi is an effective conditioner and dye for the hair. Married women, observing fasts/vratas apply mehendi on their hands. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are often seen with a big dot in the centre and four smaller dots at the sides of their hands.

Mehendi or Henna has been in the use as a natural cosmetic for the past 5000years. The tradition of mehendi is believed to have originated in North Africa and the Middle East. Only in the 12th century the Mughals brought mehendi to India. As it started to gain more popularity people began to apply more sophisticated methods and designs. Latest research shows that the intricate patterns found in India have assumed their present form in the 20th century only. In the 17th century the barber’s wife was appointed to apply henna on Indian women. From that time most women in India, regardless of their social and marital status embellish their hands and feet with mehendi.

Since the rich and royal families, from very early, used mehendi for various matters it became very popular among people. The reasons for its appeal with the masses are plenty like it is cooling and painless, not permanent like real tattoos and no artistic skill needed to apply it.

Nothing sacred or spiritual is associated with mehendi, but it is believed that it will bring luck, fortune, blessings and benefits to the family. To prepare a mehendi paste, dried leaves are powdered and mixed with water. Then patterns are drawn on the skin by squeezing the paste through the tip of a cone. The girl sits motionless for about 3-4 hours until the designs become dry, hard and crusted. The paste is said to impart a cooling effect on the bride’s nerves. The remains of the paste are removed with water. Now a dark red imprint, lasting for some weeks, is left on the skin.

Today mehendi is gaining a significant place in the fashion world very fast. People all over the world have begun to realize the harmless features of this wonderful paste and consider this as an alternative to real tattoos. This painless mehendi is introduced into the Euro-American culture recently and it is appreciated in the West. Mehendi has got a boost by the Hollywood actors, celebrities and Pop singers who have made this art of skin painting famous. People and cosmopolitan help in spreading the mehendi fashion still further.

Costume jewelry has attained a significant role in the lives of modern women. Only very few Indian women now prefer to decorate themselves with costly heavy gold jewels. Still, for occasions like weddings in India, huge investments are made on gold ornaments.

Costume jewelry is an ornament made out of inexpensive materials ranging from plastic and glass to white metal, cheap alloys and fabric with resale value. Costume jewels have set a fashion trend and they are affordable even to the common man. No doubt, costume jewels bear an aesthetic look and women all over the world love to wear them.

Ever-increasing daytime robberies force the women to abstain from wearing expensive gold ornaments. Today’s too affordable costume jewelry, in various designs and colors offer an alternative to the costly ones. Ladies can select any piece matching to their outfits. They may not last long, but the frequent changing trends compel then to go for the latest styles. If the links are strong and the materials used is of a high quality the jewelry may last many years.

All the ornaments, including small and large earrings, nose rings, chains, necklaces, bangles, wrist bands, waist bands, finger rings, anklets and toe rings, all the jewel pieces with which a typical Indian lady adorns herself, are readily available in the costume shops in enchanted designs and radiant colors. Special mention is to be made to replicas of movie star gems and brooches and bracelets of multi-colored stones. Certain metallic jewelry might be plated with 18 or 22 carat gold minimum 7 times.

This jewelry could be made out of any kind of material available, namely, pure silver, sterling silver, beads, semi precious stones, glass, lac, metal, kundan,, bone, fabric etc. The various forms of cosmetic jewelry are antique, body, magnetic, glass, artificial, crystal, fashion, beaded and imitation jewelries.

Recently India has become a major producer of costume jewelry and a potential exporter of it. Since the main cost of this jewelry is involved in the skill and the labor this could be manufactured in India at a very low cost and consequently the exported goods could be sold at more competitive prices.

Indian necklace is famous for its aesthetic look and soft intricate craftsmanship. A necklace, needless to say, is a jewelry worn around the neck, mainly by women. It is a chain or cord often made up of metals like gold, silver, platinum etc usually attached with a pendant or locket to enhance its beauty. Necklaces made of cloth further accessorized with shells, rocks/gems or even wood are also not rare.

Indian necklaces are very often closed firmly with threaded ropes. The length of the necklace could be adjusted with a string attached to it. This string or cord might be considered as the trademark of Indian jewelry. By loosening or tightening the string the necklace could be worn by women of any size. Also, since Indian necklace is made up of all kinds of stones it becomes rather heavy and the string provides sufficient support to it to be worn around the neck.

Though there are various models of necklaces decorated with different gemstones, color stones or other accessories pearl necklaces are the most popular, worn by ladies for hundreds of years and have evolved into modern styles. The various forms of pearl necklaces are known by different names such as a necklace, with larger pearls at the centre and gradually becoming smaller and smaller towards the clasp is called a graduated pearl necklace while a bib necklace has multiple layers of stepped pearls.A uniform necklace consists of pearls of the same type whereas a dog collar comprises of several pearl layers reaching near the base of the neck. 22”-23” long matinee necklace will touch the top of the cleavage and an opera necklace 30-36inches long touches the breastbone. 18” long princess necklace is between the choker and matinee necklace.

The age-old exquisite designs like mango necklace and jasmine-bid necklace continue to be evergreen favorites. Indian necklaces are mostly handcrafted in beautiful designs. The pendants might consist of lovely patterns or images of god engraved within the metal. The metal could also be carved into the desired patterns.