Maharashtra, the land of rich heritage and great warriors, boasts an equally vibrant culture. The Maharashtrian people take immense pride in their traditions, and their exquisite jewellery reflects this legacy. From weddings to religious ceremonies, these adornments play an integral role in completing the classic look of a Maharashtrian woman.
Let’s explore some of the most popular Maharashtrian jewellery pieces:
Originating from the Kolhapur region in Maharashtra, the Kolhapuri Saaj necklace is a masterpiece. “Saaj” means leaves, and this necklace features 21 leaf-shaped pendants woven together with a gold string. Ten of these leaves depict the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu, while two leaves are made of ruby and emerald stones. The remaining leaf or pendant serves as a taviz to ward off the evil eye. Originally crafted in gold, you can now find Kolhapuri Saaj in German silver as well.
This necklace is adorned with gold coins engraved with Lakshmi motifs. The coins are intricately woven together using a silk-braided Patwa Cord. Putli Haar adds elegance and prosperity to any outfit.
These are the go-to gold bangles for most Maharashtrian women. They have a specific design—mostly flat and plain with engraved patterns. Ashtapailu Patlya is often paired with glass bangles and is a traditional choice for brides-to-be.
These bangles are worn alongside the green glass bangles to complete the grand chooda set. Pichodi bangles have a smooth round edge on one side and carved triangles on the other, creating a unique and striking design.
Thick bangles or kadas, known as Tode, hold a special place in Maharashtrian jewellery. They are interlinked without any soldering and feature intricate designs that wrap around the entire bangle. Tode are commonly worn at the start or midsection of the traditional hirva chooda, especially by brides-to-be.
Conclusion
In the glittering legacy of Maharashtrian jewellery, each piece tells a story of tradition, spirituality, and elegance. From the intricate Kolhapuri Saaj to the auspicious Putli Haar, these adornments continue to grace the women of Maharashtra, adding timeless beauty to their attire.
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