Gorgeous head ornaments of Himanchal Pradesh

Inhabited by the Buddhist of Lahul and Spiti, the Hindu Gujjar and Bakarwal nomads and the Hindus of Kullu and Chamba, the jewellery of Himanchal Pradesh is of Indian origin yet bear some Tibetian influence. Adorned by nature-inspired motifs such as lotus, peepal leaves, tiger's head, the head ornament is one the most popular style and are unique to each region too and therefore, let's take a sneak peek into the rich Himachali heritage in head ornaments. 

To begin with, Bindi with a central pendant hanging from the hair parting and silver chains extending on both sides upto the ear, is a common sight.

That apart, there is Shringar-patti which includes a pair of fringes worn on either side of the face, consisting of star or geometrical-shaped pieces strung together with pipal leaves, drops or stars hanging from it. There are also crescent-shaped plates, sometimes enameled, dangling from the middle of the forehead.

Women in Chamba wear a long silver chain round the head called Shangli. Other than that, there is Chudamani yet another gorgeous head ornament in the shape of a lotus flower worn on the hair parting.

Gaddi women wear an ornament called Chak on their head. It is a silver domed top-of-head jewellery which comes in a dozen of varieties. The one with several round beads suspended at the edge with silver chains is called Chak-boron-wala. When coloured enameling is done on it, it becomes Chak-meena-wala, whereas when two additional side-of-head domes are linked to the main Chak it is called Chak-phul. This ornament is generally covered, as it is worn under the veil. 

Gaddi women also wear a silver Chiri-tikka; note that, Chiri means bird.

Gujjar women wear head ornament in pairs, at the sides of the head with the end hooks fastened to the cloth, is called Sirka Chamkuli.  

A stunning ornament is worn by married women of Kinnaur, Khul-kantaie consists of several, often a couple of dozen, large earrings worn hanging down from the hair over the ears fixed on a strap of cloth. Besides that, a side-of-face ornament called Mool-u or Mulmentho, which is essentially multi-linked chains with numerous pipal leaf-shaped pendants, also adorns the women here.

Hindu grooms of Himachal Pradesh wear a silver crown that is tied to the head by the attached silver chains. Each panel bears a representation of an important Hindu deity and is considered to be auspicious for the occasions like wedding.

Author: Deepa Mishra

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