BECOME AN INDIAN BRIDE
We can never imagine an Indian bride without the traditional and conservative elements of sixteen step makeup also known as Solah Shringar? Glittering and radiating in her finery as only an Indian bride can. Dazzling everyone with her luminous beauty�
The Sixteen Steps to Adornment (Solah Shringar) complete the picture of an Indian bride. The ritual begins with the symbolic application of turmeric, oil and gram flour paste. Then it's an elaborate head to toe affair.
Solah Shringar begins with�
One~
It is the beautifully created red bindi in the center of the forehead encircled by tiny white dots. The bindi symbolises her suhaag and is a sign of wedded bliss. It is embellished by tiny red and white dots applied over curve of the eyes and ends delicately at the cheekbone.
Two~
The sindoor running through the parting of the hair below the mangtikka forms the base for the tikka. Sindoor is also a symbol of suhaag , something which the bride will always apply till her husband's death.
Three~
The mang teeka usually made of gold but often embellished with diamonds, pearls and semi precious stones, is balanced between the parting of the hair. The Rajputs wear a large half ball called the sisphul , while the mangapatti is tied along the hairline. The mandoria � strands of pearls, tied across the forehead on the either side � can be seen on a Maharashtrian bride.
Four~
One of the distinct feature of Indian women is Kaajaled eyes. The Kohl edging the upper and lower lids give the bride that shiny, mysterious-eyed look.
Five~
The nath or nose ring hangs seductively from the left nostril. Crafted once again in gold, it is held in place by pearl or a gold chain. The size of the nath varies depending on the part of India. The Maharashtrians wear the nose ring on the left nostril and the Gujaratis in the right while the south Indians wear it on both or the right side.
Six~
The necklace or the haar is the next step. There is ranihaar and chandanhaar worn by the Punjabis. The Maharashtrian bride wears the tanmani; the Tamilians have their changali and Andhraites and Keralites have the kasimala; a long necklace of gold sovereigns.
Seven~
The karn phul or the earrings are as ornate as the necklace. The three tiered or jhoonkha style earrings are quite heavy and are supported by gold chains that are attached to the hair.
Eight~
The mehendi is mostly applied on hands and sometimes on feet too. The mehendi that decorates the palms and wrist has the most intricate designs. Either brides' friends or a professional mehendi artist applies it at an earlier ceremony.
Nine~
The churis, kangan or bangles are a must for the bride. Gold ones interspersed with red bangles cover the wrist all the way up to forearm.
Ten~
The bazubandh or armlet decorates the upper arm and is worn over the blouse. Either in a tie-up style or like a bangle and the design is often Mughal, Rajasthani or Jaipuri.
Eleven~
The arsi is the quaintest part of the solah shringar. It is a thumb ring with a mirror on it that allows the bride to take a discreet peek at herself or her new partner without seeming too bold.
Twelve~
The bridal hairstyle is as elaborate as the dresses and jewellery. Simply styled, it has the fragrant gajras entwined in between the plaits. The hair ornament, which sits in the center of the flowers and chignon, is normally circular in shape. There are other clasps for hair which are worn as desired.
Thirteen~
Kamarband in silver or gold is a must. The belt circling the waist could be a decorative waistband in solid gold or some other metal or it could be intricate chain with a pendant that rests on one side of the hip.
Fourteen~
Payal adorns the ankles. These anklets makes the most seductive and provocative sound that no red blooded groom is able to resist. Also known as jhanjhar, the anklets are fashioned in the form of a single chain or paizeb, a heavy thick chain of silver with an edging comprising clusters of tiny bells.
Fifteen~
Now, the toes. They are decked with bichuas or the toe rings. The first three toes on each foot sport toe rings, which are often attached to payals or worn by themselves.
Sixteen~
In the end comes the bridal dress. Depending on which part of India she hails from, the bridal outfit consists of the sari, chaniya-choli or sawar-kurta.
This completes the picture of a resplendent bride ready to take her vows, start yet another chapter and make a life time commitment�
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