With the wedding season in full swing, it is inevitable that one will get drowned in the myriad options we have today. From décor to photography, food menus to the trousseau, floral arrangements to cutlery – if you’re planning a wedding anytime soon, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. The biggest choice one comes across, however, is the one between going the traditional way and trying something new. A classic kanjeevaram or a designer lehenga? Traditional heavy gold jewellery or a modern semi-precious design? The choices are interesting, to say the least.

Traditional symbols of marriage too seem to have undergone subtle yet noticeable changes – like the mangalsutras for example. This wedding essential remains constant pretty much throughout the country, at all Hindu weddings.

The mangalsutra the groom ties around the bride’s neck on the wedding day consists of a gold pendant and a few black beads on a thread smeared with turmeric. This traditional piece of jewellery will probably find an equivalent in the modern day wedding ring – tradition borrowed from the West. Unlike before, some prefer a shorter mangalsutra, instead of the traditional long one, and choker-inspired pieces are a trend that’s gaining popularity.

While the classic gold pendant is still popular with brides, a style that is slowly picking up is to opt for a diamond pendant. The classic pendant, according to traditional design, had two circular discs in gold, symbolising the union of marriage. But today, it has given way to lockets in different shapes and different patterns.

The traditional black beads, which are supposed to keep away the evil eye, however, continues and are still an essential part of the mangalsutra. But different styles like using a single string of black beads, or using the beads as part of the pendant, are both trends that seem to be gaining popularity. Variations like using alternating gold and black beads, or using just a few black beads on a gold chain, are in vogue.

Another trend that seems to be picking up is buying a mangalsutra as a set that comes with matching earrings. Clearly invented for the woman of today who wants to wear her traditional mangalsutra without compromising on style!

So while tradition dictates that women must sport a mangalsutra as a symbol of her marriage, you can still make sure you look trendy by customising your mangalsutra to suit your personality. Who can ask for a better blend of the old and new?

elizabeth.mathew@thehindu.co.in

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