The Heritage of Bengali Traditional Bangles and their Rich Culture

Bangles are available in a special dazzle like nothing else. Meant for every occasion, one can grace any event by wearing different varieties of bangles. However did one ever think what is so special about them? No wonder, bangles hold a special place in every women's wardrobe. But these bangles have a huge cultural significance as well.

History -

Bangles are circular, rigid ornaments, worn around the wrist. Their origin dates back to 2600 BC. Retrieved from the ancient Mohenjo-Daro excavations, these bangles have their first evidence among these archeological sites. one of the most useful inventions, when a precious statue of the "Dancing Girl" was found depicted in the nude, one of her hands was covered in bangles. This is how one hailed bangles as essential accessories for human use. However, their significance varies from region to region. For Hindu Bengali women, bengali traditional bangles are a symbol of marriage. Shankha and Pola bangles make up the shola-shringaar of every Bengali woman and they have been in existence for centuries.

Significance-

Shankha is conch bangles made up of white shells. Pola bangles are made up of red corals. When a newlywed bride wears them, she is automatically bedecked with glamour and elegance. They are also held very auspicious and should be handled with care so that it does not break. The Bengali wedding ceremony also has a separate ritual of wearing Loha bangles in between the Shankha and Pola ones. This bangle is made up of iron and worn in the left hand.

Shankha symbolizes familial prosperity and good health. The husband gives the Loha bangle to his own wife as a means of strengthening their bond with firmity and affection. The Loha bangles are meant to create a balance between the positive and negative energies so that one can ward off all evils.

The ritual-

The long 4-day Bengali wedding ceremony begins with pomp and grandeur. On the day before the wedding, the bride has the last meal from her parent's house, also known as Ai Buro Bhaat. At the dawn of the wedding day, the relatives smear the bride with turmeric paste as a part of the Gaye Holud ceremony. All the female members make merry and have fun at this event. The bride is also fed Dodhi Mangal which is natural yogurt. She then has to fast till her wedding is over. On the wee hours of the marriage day, one soaks the Shankha and Pola bangles in a mixture of turmeric and water. This is one of the most notable Bengali rituals. Seven married women adorn the wrist of the to-be-bride with these bangles.

Changing trends-

With revolutionary changes taking place in the fashion industry, brides are nowadays opting for a variety of kolkata bangles online. Almost every online jewellary store have a wide variety of bangle collection available to their customers. As a result, one can buy any style and trend as per their individual choice. Instead of going for the plain gold platted traditional bangles, Bengali brides are choosing intricately crafted designer works. Some prefer a sleek look, others love bold and intricate carvings. Pola bangles are also available in a wide collection with varying designs and patterns which fully radiate the beauty of these bangles.

One can buy beautiful Bengali bangles online from "Quality Fashion" within an affordable price range.