Solah Shringar - 16 vital components for Indian Brides

A traditional Hindu wedding procession takes place following various rituals and ceremonies. The marriage is a reflection of the rich Indian culture where every ritual has its own importance. Out of many rituals ‘Solah Shringar’ of the bride is one of the most important one.

What is ‘Solah Shringar’?
A traditional Indian bride has to dress up using sixteen vital components of her beauty known as ‘Solah Shringar’ which includes make-up items, jewels and other accessories. From head to toe she is adorned with accessories that add spark to her beauty. These objects of beauty are believed to be associated with the well being of her to-be husband. Having knowledge about accessories that comprises ‘Solah Shringar’ helps you understand their worth. We offer you a brief description of the sixteen accessories worn by the bride.

Face Accessories and make up include the following components:

• Bindi: It is considered to be a mark of identity for a married woman. Traditionally, it used to be round in shape and red in color. But nowadays, a large variety of Bindis in various shapes, sizes and shades are available in the market. Generally, a girl chooses her bindi that is matching to her wedding dress.
• Sindoor: Sindoor (vermillion) is a red colored powder that is applied on the centre parting of a bride. It has various religious and mythological connotations.
• Mangteeka: It is a hair accessory that is generally worn in the centre parting of the hair and it comes till fore head. It is generally made of gold/silver.
• Anjana: Anjana (kajal) is used to highlight the eyes of a bride. It is black in color and is applied on the edges of the upper and lower eyelids. It makes a bride’s face look beautiful and attractive.
• Nath: Nath (Nose Ring) is another important symbol of holiness associated with marriage. It is a big, round ring that can be worn in a pierced nose. It is also generally made up of gold/silver.
• Karn Phool: Karn phool (ear rings) is worn by a bride in both the ears. They are generally heavy and it further beautifies the bride’s face.

Hand Accessories include the following components:

• Mehandi: Mehandi (henna) is prepared from the dried leaves of a tree. It is applied in the hands and foot of a bride. It stands as a symbol for the love between a wife and her husband. Mehandi applying ceremony forms an important part of an Indian wedding.
• Choodiyan: Choodiyan (bangles) are worn in both the hands of the bride in large number. They are made up of glass or metal. They are believed to fill colors in the life of the bride.
• Baajuband: Baajuband (armlet) is worn in the upper arms of a bride.
• Aarsi: Aarsi (finger rings) is worn in the fingers of a bride.

Other Accessories include the following components:

• Haar: Haar (necklace) is worn around the neck of a bride.
• Keshapasharachana: Keshapasharachana (hairstyle) is also as important as the face. Different types of flowers and other ornaments are used to adorn the hair of a bride.
• Kamarband: Kamarband (waist band) is worn around the waist of a bride.
• Payal: Payal (anklet) is worn around the ankle of a bride. It produces sound when the bride moves.
• Itar: Itar (fragrance) is applied to a bride to create a soothing aroma around her.
• Wedding Dress: Normally a ‘Saree’ or ‘Lehenga’ is worn as a wedding dress. They are usually of bright colors like red, maroon etc.

These sixteen signs of beauty ensure complete adornment of the Indian bride. Though many modifications have been done in beautification of a bride, still these sixteen signs of beauty continue to hold their importance.