A mangalsutra has more significance than a mere piece of jewellery. It is one of five main signs of a Hindu woman’s marital status – the other four being sindoor, bangles, toe rings and a nose ring. This auspicious thread, interwoven in black and gold beads with a gold pendant at the center, is a symbol of a holy wedlock. According to the Hindu mythology, the black beads are believed to ward off evil powers and protect a couple’s marriage. The groom ties this piece of jewellery around the bride’s neck during the wedding ceremony and the bride vows to wear it as a symbol of their unconditional love, commitment, dedication and devotion to each other.
In early days, it was compulsory for every married woman to wear a mangalsutra with a long string and a culture specific pendant, until her husband was alive. Different cultures across the country boast of their beautiful designs and patterns of mangalsutras. While the beads are common to most cultures, the Maharashtrians have one or more traditional gold or diamond vatis as a pendant, Bengalis have a coral as a symbol of matrimony and Marwaris & Gujaratis usually take pride in their choice of diamond pendants.
Modern Indian women represent the best of both worlds – corporate and cultural. They are influential, independent, workaholic and last but not the least – highly cultured. They hold high offices and at the same time, find pride in looking after their families and passing on the rich family traditions to the next generations. If you are a bride-to-be and stuck in the dilemma of choosing a mangalsutra for yourself that would go well with your choice of outfits – jeans, shirts, skirts, sarees and formal wear, rather than making you want to keep it aside in a locker; relax, times have changed.
Modern Indian women have made the jewellery designers across the country realise that carrying a bulky piece of jewellery around the neck while completing household chores, commuting for work or flying for a business meeting is fussy and impractical. Women across different cultures now go for the newer, delicate designs that have a shorter string of beads and an elegant gold or diamond pendant with a tinch of other precious gems like rubies or emeralds. A simplistic design would go well even with your summer or beach dresses that you have packed in your honeymoon luggage, and make your look fashionably married.
The reach of Internet and the advancement of eCommerce has changed the way Indians shopped for jewellery. Browse through various eCommerce websites and buy your mangalsutra online. Online sellers also provide a certificate of authenticity for whichever jewellery they sell. Understand the product specification and buy one for yourself which you would love to adorn yourself with, on your special day.The advance technology offers secure payment solutions – pay with your debit card, credit card or through net banking. You can also opt for Cash on Delivery if you are concerned about the safety of your transaction and the delivery of your product.
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