Maharashtra has a rich culture and magnificent ancestry. The ancestors were simple, hardworking people who followed their traditions. Their tradition is reflected in their Maharashtrian jewellery, which is still followed by the Marathi people. The jewelry reflects the legacy and the extension of royalty. The designs are passed on by the Maratha and Peshwa warriors.
Here is a list of top Maharashtrian jewellery that every Marathi mulgi should have in their jewelry box.
- Nath
It is the traditional nose ring of Maharashtra, worn by every Marathi lady. It’s a half-moon-shaped nose ring studded with white and pink pearls. The Marathi ladies wear this nath on every special occasion such as religious ceremonies, wedding functions, etc.
- Thushi
It is a choker-style necklace designed with layers of gold beads. The gold beads are woven very closely with an adjustable thread. The thread can be adjusted easily to make the necklace comfortable for everyone. The design is called the “jowar seeds” design, which is given to the newlywed bride as a welcome gift. The thushi is available in two designs: the common thushi and the vajratik thushi.
- Kolhapuri Saaj
It originated in Kolhapur, one of Maharashtra’s most beautiful cities. It is gifted to the bride by the groom’s family and worn after marriage. It is a 22-karat gold necklace with a unique design carved with 21 leaves and a pedestal in the center. The pendant is called “the saaj-ghat,” Among the 21 leaves, 10 represent different avatars of Lord Vishnu, 8 represent happiness and prosperity, and 2 have ruby and emerald stones carved on them.
- Laxmi Haar
This necklace is also known as “Putli Haar” and is designed with gold coins with the design of Goddess Laxmi on them. The Laxmi embellishments represent wealth in the lives of the bride and groom. These coin-style pendants are braided in silk thread. It has been the most important piece of jewelry for every Maharashtrian bride since the 17th century.
- Bugdi
These are beautiful earrings made of pearls and colorful stones. These are worn in the helix region of the ear. It is traditionally worn by Maharashtrian brides, but it is now available in various modern designs and is worn by modern brides as well.
- Tode
These are pairs of Kadas made of 23-karat gold. The artists make it with a lot of precision. They are mostly handcrafted and custom-made according to the requirements of the bride.
- Mohan Mala
It is the most sophisticated-looking gold necklace set, made of simple gold beads braided into a single thread. This simple-looking necklace is usually paired with other jewelry to complete the look.
- Chooda
It is the green-colored bridal bangles that are worn by every Maharashtrian bride. It is just like the red choodas worn by north Indian brides. Marathi brides wear green bangles as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
- Mangalsutra
It is a sacred thread made of gold and black beads with a bowl-shaped pendant. Mangalsutra is the most important piece of jewelry for every Marathi woman.
- Ambada
It is a traditional hairpin used to decorate the bun of the bride.