Indian head accessories will make you ditch tiaras!

Crazy about floral tiaras? Looks like you haven’t come across India’s elaborate treasure trove. A glance through our rich and varied jewellery heritage in head accessory will make you forget this foreign import. Come, discover the great India head accessory heritage.

The very first name that pops up in my mind is Mangtikka. It is commonly worn during weddings, not just by the brides but also by guests and relatives. While enhancing the bridal look, an elegant mangtikka infuses a regal feel into the whole ensemble. Not just for weddings. The accessory is also worn during festivals. It is one of the essential components of Solah Shringar – Indian bridal essential adornments.  

Don’t be surprised if you find design variations, from culture to culture, given India’s diversity. For instance, in Rajasthan, women, of all ages, wear a spherical mangtikka called Borla, every day. But when Aishwarya Rai donned it in Jodha Akbar, it became a rage across India. 

Other than this, there are Chand Mangtikkas, Mughal Mangtikkas, small pendant Mangtikkas as well as crescent-shaped Mangtikka hailing from different regions of India.

For more elaborate look, women also sport Mangpattas that hug the hairline. From single to multiple tiers, from polka to plain gold, it comes in variety of designs.

These days you also have the option in side-swept Mangtikkas. While it is a modern take on our traditional jewel, you can’t overlook its traditional charm.   

You thought that’s all India has to offer in hair accessory. Sorry to disappoint you, it is just the beginning. Keshapasharachana is another design marvel from India’s traditional heritage. It is worn mostly by south Indian brides but with its growing popularity, more and more women even in the north are flaunting it on their big days.

Next in the line is Ambada pin. It has its origin in Maharashtra and is graciously placed on the bridal bun, adding the deserved sparkle to the bridal get-up.  

Last but not the least, Passa. It came to India post Mughal invasion. They brought this jewel along with them and with time, it became a popular sight in Muslim weddings as well as Bollywood films here.

Author: Deepa Mishra

Disclaimer: All images used in the blog have been sourced from Google purely for the purpose of informative reference. The models, celebrities or products showcased in these pictures are not to promote any brand in any manner.