September 28, 2006

A Bihari bride usually wears jewellery that is handed down from one generation to another.

Diamond are a girl’s best friend and jewellery her second if one were to add to the old saying. In some families or communities, jewellery is handed down and thus worn for generations.

A Bihari bride usually wears jewellery that is inherited from one generation to another. In traditional cultures practically all jewellery serves an amuletic function even though the wearer may not be aware of its full significance.

Bihari jewellery consists of sarasari which is a round tika with strings of gold and pearls to hold it and adorns the forehead. Maang tika is a pendant held with a single string on the middle parting. For the ears there is jhumak karanphool, sometimes in kundan or engraved with stones; bali patta, round rings with a leaf-like pendant; bijli, round rings of plain gold sometimes engraved with stones of different colours; machli, a fish-like pendant of gold, and jhala, large engraved earrings.

For the neck one wears haraiya jugnu, a round pendant set in kundan with stones with usually a precious pearl hanging at the base and a thick choker of gold clasped around the neck. Chandanhaar consists of four gold strings. Kanganas are thick patterned gold bangles.

Bihari jewellery is sought after by women who have an eye for ethnic designs. Gone are the days when brides used to wear many necklaces on their wedding day. The preference now is to wear a heavy and unique designed necklace and bangles.

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