A Marathi wedding is not simply a ceremony, it is a great festival of tradition, beauty and culture. All Marathi brides are graceful, with a nauvari saree and traditional jewellery that signifies love, heritage and prosperity. Delicate nose rings, big necklaces, every object of Marathi wedding jewellery has a perennial value, which bonds generations.
In this blog we are going to discuss the best 6 traditional wedding jewellery in Maharashtra that makes the ultimate look of a Marathi wedding fashion and glorifies every bride who looks like a goddess on her wedding day.
A Marathi wedding is not complete without the traditional nath, a well-crafted nose ring that gives the wedding a touch of immediate class and culture. The nath, usually made in gold, and decorated with pearls, rubies, or white stones is particularly important, and is frequently always used in important rituals, symbolizing the marital status of a woman.
There is the famous Peshwai nath of Pune, the Brahmani nath of the Konkan brides, and every part of Maharashtra has its variant. The strength, purity, and devotion are a beautiful embodiment of the divine feminine in Marathi wedding style, and a Marathi bride in a nath gloriously embodies that.
The Thushi necklace is a traditional wedding jewellery that is most iconic in Maharashtra. This is a gold choker originating in Kolhapur where tiny beads are weaved together using golden thread representing good fortune and wealth.
A neatly tailored Thushi is tight around the neck, to match the nauvari saree of the Marathi bride with green bangles. It may be adorned with a long saaj alongside or worn alone; however, this necklace instantly adds the royal nature of the Marathi wedding jewellery outfit.
The Mundavalya is an exclusive jewellery that is worn by brides and grooms of the Marathis. It includes pearl or flower strands wrapped over the forehead that indicate that the person is about to be married.
It is an emotional moment when the bride enters the mandap with her Mundavalya swinging gently during the Marathi wedding. This jewelry does not only complete her appearance but also symbolizes equality since both partners wear it as a sign of readiness and mutual respect, a hallmark of a Maratha wedding.
The Marathi version of the mangalsutra design occupies a special position among others. It is typically prepared by tying black beads together using gold pendants, called vatis, two gold cups to represent Shiva and Parvati, the eternal couple.
The mangalsutra in Marathi wedding jewellery is more than a jewellery, it symbolizes godly bond and lifelong relationship. Modern Marathi brides, however, have over time experimented with modern mangalsutra designs and have incorporated tradition with the trendy designs. Be it classic or polished, it is the core of any bridal jewellery line.
Another essential item that a Marathi bride cannot do without is the Kolhapuri Saaj. It is also characterized by its elaborate handwork and has 21 small leaves or pendants of which each depicts a god or a good omen. The Saaj is traditionally presented to the bride by her in-laws and has a lot of sentimental meaning.
This necklace exemplifies the art of Maharashtra and spiritual attachment of Marathi weddings. As designs change, there are those brides who have embraced lightweight Saaj designs which combine tradition with elegance and are ideal in modern day celebrations.
The other striking example of traditional Marathi jewellery is the Vaaki or armlet. It is typically placed on both arms and is made in the form of a thin band with beautiful carvings of gold and gemstones. The Vaaki is a symbol of bravery and power, which the Marathi culture cherishes.
No bridal look can be complete without a pair of green glass bangles and golden patlya or tode (thick bangles). The blend of green and gold signifies fertility, prosperity and new lives- things that are central to every Marathi wedding ritual.
Although some traditional ornaments still carry an emotional meaning, there are a number of brides in the modern day who are putting a modern touch to their Marathi wedding jewellery. With the simplest mangalsutra designs to diamond encased Thushis, modern-day brides want an equilibrium between being able to retain the cultural root yet bringing in a touch of their own.
Individual designs, lightweight sets of gold, mix and match with silver or pearls are now popular with the new generation of Marathi brides. The aim is to remain natural and yet to be comfortable and stylish.
To a Marathi bride, jewellery is not merely a decoration, but it is an identity. Every ornament has its story, its feeling, its use, be it the blessing of the elders, the pride of heritage or the beauty of self-expression.
The entire bridal jewellery set is a mirror of Maharashtrian culture, being simple, strong, and full of meaning. The ceremony is not the only reason why these ornaments are worn; the ornaments are kept through a lifetime, and they are passed down as heirlooms, to bear the love and blessings of generations.
All the ornaments are a narrative of devotion, power, and grace, starting with the glittering nath to the sacred mangalsutra. Marathi wedding jewellery has gone on to be the ultimate beauty that characterises the traditional Marathi jewellery and symbolises the glory of womanhood and the sanctity of marriage.
And therefore, when planning your big day, keep in mind that the jewellery isn’t only about making you look beautiful, it is a reminder of your legacy. Make your Marathi wedding appearance complete in terms of tradition, pride, and personal style, a graphic portrait of yourself.