Karnataka Wedding Jewellery

The age old traditions that vary through the different parts of the seventh largest state, Karnataka have the people following diverse wedding styles in keeping with the rich diversity of the region. The weddings ceremonies are relatively short and are similar to those followed in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. However, the wedding celebrations in Karnataka extend for a week including pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding ritual

The traditional Kannadiga bride wears a beautiful, traditional 9 yards long Nauvari saree. Green glass bangles are must for this bride very much similar to a Maharashtrian bride and a typical sign of the married woman. The saree is white or cream with a red border and a tinge of gold for a stunning yet serene look. With cities turning cosmopolitan, people have also begun adopting customs from the rest of the country leading to Kannada weddings becoming even more colourful!

A bride is the centre of attraction, the showstopper at every wedding! Jewellery is an essential element that enhances the bride’s charm and beauty. Traditional wedding jewellery is a dream for a Kannadiga bride. Traditional wedding jewellery has Goddess Lakshmi’s image engraved in many designs. The studded items have ruby, coral and emerald as frequently used precious stones.

The Kannadiga bride is adorned with a Netri Chutti or Maang Tika on the forehead to enhance the beauty of her eyes and forehead. The traditional craftsmanship with jewellery embellished lavishly in colourful red, white and other precious stones in varied colours make each piece unique. Muthina Vale Jhimki is a long or short or medium-sized ear embellishment crafted with red and white stones, ruby, pearls or diamonds. Many Kannadiga brides wear Entele Sara; a layered chain that is made of gold beads.

Mavinakayi Addigai is another Kannada style traditional jewellery similar to the Manga Mala found in Kerala, and is an inevitable element in any Kerala or Karnataka wedding. This is a necklace that has mango shaped motifs in gold, beautiful and ethnic in appearance with green stones, red stones and pearls in the pendant for a Kannadiga twist. The ornament Lakshmi Sara is made of a series of small gold coins that has the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi engraved on every coin. These neck pieces give a traditional striking look.Navilu Daabu crafted with traditional temple designs with red stones is worn by the bride around the waist to keep the saree borders and garlands in place, though some Kannadiga families prefer a designer waistband now. The Kannadiga bride wears heavy traditionally crafted bangles like Guruvina Kada with red stones, antique finished Kettu Bale, Kasina Bale having an intricate design with coins and Pacha Kampina Bale designed with green and red stones. To beautify her fingers, she wears Pacha Kempina Ungaru which is a finger ring crafted with rubies and emeralds. An ornament shaped like a snake or arch, finely crafted with stones and pearls, an amulet which is called Tholu Bandhi is worn on the arms.