Since ancient time Bangles known as Chudi is one of the essential ornaments in Indian tradition and culture. Bangles are worn by married women or by a girl who is now engaged and going to marry. Bangles not only enhances the feminism and beauty of the Indian woman but hold a lot more significance as It is a tradition to wear bangles in Hinduism.
Called by different names in different states, bale in Kannada, Vatayal in Tamil, Gaaju in Telugu; bangles are the inseparable part of traditional Indian jewelry. It is compulsory for newlyweds and married women to wear bangles made of glass, lac or gold in Hindu culture as Bangles signify the well being of the husband for a married woman. that is the reason bare hands of a married woman and breaking down of bangles is termed inauspicious.
Significance of different colors
India is rich in culture and traditionally different color signifies different things.Married women like to wear bangles of green or red color at auspicious occasions, festivals, and in the wedding. where green color represents fertility and good luck, Red color denotes prosperity and energy. The Orange color is meant for success, yellow signifies happiness and white color is for beginners. The silver color represents strength whereas Gold is the symbol of Good fortune.
Regional significance of bangles
In Rajasthan, brides wear ivory bangles or Chooda. In Gujrat, there is a ceremony ‘Mameru’ associated with bangles where maternal uncle gifts Chooda to bride-to-be along with silk saree with red border.
In Maharashtra, the bride wears green colored glass bangles in odd numbers. The green color is the symbol of creativity, fertility and new life. These green color bangles are worn by the bride with gold bangles known as Patlya and carved kadas known as Tode. The solid gold bangles are gifted by the groom’s family.
In Punjab, Chooda made of ivory and red bangles are very popular and is gifted by the maternal uncle of the bride. Chooda is supposed to wear for a specific period. The newlywed wear it for a minimum of 40 days or as the custom or tradition of the respective family.
In Bengal, a newly bride wears a conch shell bangle called as shaka and a red coral bangle, called as pola. Apart from this, as newly wed steps into the new house, her mother-in-law gifts her a gold-plated iron bangle.In southern states, the green glass bangles are worn with gold bangles as gold is considered auspicious in the region.
While wearing bangles is an identity of a married woman in India and symbolizes her marital status and long life of the husband. There is a scientific advantage behind adorning it. Bangles are worn on the wrist and are in constant activation of a human. Also, the wrist is checked for all sorts of physical ailments due to high pulse rate. Wearing of Bangles create friction and results in increasing blood circulation level. Moreover, it is said that bangles absorb the positive energy passing out from the body and reverts it back. The sound of bangles fulfills the house with positivity and happiness.
With passing time, bangles of distinctive geometrical shapes and made of plastics are getting more trendier now to give females a more contemporary look but married women still give preference to glass bangles or bangles made of gold and silver. It will be surprising to know that few women tie the thread or end of the saree while changing old bangles with new ones to avoid bare hands.