Wristlets Of Love

India is famed for its plethora of customs and rituals. The age old traditions still maintain significance in the eyes of millions. A wedding is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated practices in India. This union of two souls, two families is considered to be an event which brings immense joy and triumph.

The wishes and blessings of the elderly are regarded essential for the couple’s smooth journey into their new phase of life. Indian weddings aren’t just one day affairs and there is a strict modus operandi that everyone adheres to. If truth be told, the rituals aren’t just practiced for the sake of it; we quite enjoy them!

Of the numerous customs and rituals that take place at a wedding, two of the most popular ceremonies which are an indispensable part of an Indian wedding are the chooda and kalire ceremony. They are a part of the solah shringaar, loosely translated to sixteen ornaments that are essential for an Indian bride. Initially practiced majorly by Punjabi families, the ritual has now become popular among other cultures too. The two ceremonies are held one after the other on the wedding day at the bride’s house.

Chooda Ceremony

Traditionally called chooda or chuda, it is a set of 21 bangles in red and white. The ceremony holds a special significance for the bride-to-be as it is gifted to her by her mama (maternal uncle). In many communities, the bridal lehenga is also gifted by the maternal uncle. The ceremony starts with havan (sacred fire) as the pandit (priest) recites holy chants and washes the bangles with a mixture of milk and rose petals. This way the chooda is cleansed for the ceremony. It is then touched by all the elderly members of the family who give blessings to the bride for a happy and prosperous married life.