MAANG TEEKA

The Importance of Maang Tikka for Indian Brides
India is well known for its love for jewelries and the significance of jewelries in its culture for centuries. The shining glory of the Indian tradition has to be the bridal jewelry. Bridal jewelry is mandatory for all Indian brides and the jewelry worn by a bride on her wedding is a reflection of her family background and her aesthetic position in the society. Maang Tikka is a mandatory and one of the most significant bridal jewelry in the Indian culture. It is made up of a large center piece that is decorated with precious gems and it is worn on the forehead. The maang tikka can be work together with the following jewelry:
The Nath which is a nose ring that is used to accessorize the wedding look
Earrings which act as accessories as well as protection from evil spirits according to Indian culture
Bangles to accessorize the look
The maang tikka, Indian head jewelry and most Indian jewelries were derived from the ancient Indian paintings and artifacts. The maang tikka is important to Indian brides in different ways and they are discussed below.

It is a representation of the third eye or power of the soul
The maang tikka represents the bride’s eye. It gives the bride power, will and wisdom to handle the marriage well. In India, the brides are the ones who marry and therefore they are expected to take charge in the marriage and make it work. The tikka is believed to give the bride power, wisdom and the will to make the marriage right.
It is used for protection from evil spirits and energy
When a wedding is done, not everyone is usually happy about it. The maang tikka is believed to give the bride protection from evil forces that may try to destroy the wedding or marriage. The tikka has religious ties from the ancient Indian Culture and therefore when a bride adorns it; it is believed that they are protected from any negative or evil forces that are against the wedding or marriage.

It signifies a union between the bride and groom
The tikka is placed at the center of the forehead. According to Indian culture, this center of the forehead is believed to be the residing place for the Ajna Chakra. This chakra according to the culture preserves two petals and a deity that is half male and half female. This deity represents the ultimate union of the two halves which signifies the union of man and woman in nature. So if the bride has the tikka on, then naturally she has been unionized with groom in a natural manner.

Kajal

The graceful, enigmatic kajal

This ubiquitous make-up item goes way back in Indian culture. In ancient India, it was initially applied as a coolant, and to ward off the “evil eye” from young children. It stood as a bold statement against the sun’s glaring heat and eye ailments. In Punjab, the traditions are such that even men wear kajals on special social and religious occasions.Parallel to its usage in India, “kohl” was used in West Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East in a similar way. However, the difference lies in the ingredients. In Africa, it was galena (lead sulphide) ground into paint that was predominantly used for kohl; whereas in India, the primary ingredient was soot.

Preparation

Traditionally, the same method for the preparation of kajal has been carried on by local womenfolk all over India without much change. Natural plant ingredients were used- resulting in a gentle product free from the harshness of heavy metals and other chemicals.

1) A white muslin cloth is dipped in sandalwood paste or in the juice of the Indian Devil Tree.
2) After dipping, it is dried and left in the shade for a few hours.
3) The dip and dry process is repeated for a day.
4) At dusk, the cloth is used to make the wick of a mud lamp. The lamp is lit with castor oil. A brass vessel is placed over the lamp, leaving an air gap for oxygen to facilitate burning. This is left overnight.
5) The next day, a few drops of ghee or clarified butter is mixed with the soot left over from burning.
The kajal is then ready for use. In Bengal, the leaf of a succulent plant called  Monosha is burnt using the lamp. The creamy, soft soot from the burnt leaf is a safe, sterile kajal to apply even on infants

Have we lost the true Kajal?

Fast forwarding to today’s fast-paced cosmetics industry- brands are competing with each other to churn out inventive varieties of kajals that claim to last longer, are variously coloured, waterproof, and so on. Slowly, the purpose of the kajal has shifted to something solely beauty-oriented, and we’ve lost out on its most basic features such as eye-safety, cooling, and medicinal properties.
We’ve all heard the warnings of traces of lead present in kajals. As more and more studies are bringing to light the toxic effects of lead levels in kajal, we need to search out trustworthy brands that use charcoal/soot instead of lead. While making that safe choice, we also need to support brands that are cruelty-free and against animal testing. As responsible consumers, we need to pay attention to the environmental responsibility and stewardship policies of the brand.
Keeping all of this in mind, here is a list of the safest, most environmentally responsible cosmetic brands.

Health benifits of kajal 

The preparation and benefits of Kajal are written in the ancient Ayurvedic treaties dating back to more than 5000 years ago. It is used as a beauty treatment by Indian women since that time.
Kajal, in its authentic recipe, is made of camphor, vegetable oil, and ghee. In Arabic, Kajal means, "coal". The latter is known for its good fixing properties. This coal is obtained by burning some Ghee in an oil lamp, according to the Ayurvedic tradition. The soot obtained through this process is then fixed on copper or silver panels and gathered to make the ghee's coal, which is used to prepare the Kajal. Regarding camphor, coming from the resin of the camphor tree, it has refreshing, astringents and disinfectant properties.
Thanks to its components, naturally rich in therapeutic properties, Kajal enables:
- to moisturise the eyes
- to avoid impurities to get into them
- to freshen them and enhance their shine
- to evacuate tear fluid faster
- to make the little red vessels in the eyes disappear so that they remain white, thanks to its astringents properties

 

Mahndi

Indian marriages are known for their many rituals. In fact, the beauty of Indian weddings comes forth in the numerous traditions that are associated with the special celebration. Indian weddings are incomplete without dance, music and lots of laughter. Furthermore, Indian weddings are not a one day ceremony. Pre-wedding ceremonies begin before the wedding and can sometimes be a week long celebration.

Among the many traditions that are infused into Indian weddings, one of the most prominent is the mehndi ceremony. This is the day when mehndi is applied on the hands and feet of the bride and even the groom. While the bride has a very elaborate pattern done on her hands and feet, the groom usually has just a token design. Mehndi is a very important part of both Hindu and Muslim weddings in India. In fact, application of mehndi is a custom during any celebration in India, be it Karva Chaut, Teej, Diwali, Ramzan or any other festival.

Beliefs associated with mehndi

It is a common belief that the darker the color the mehndi leaves on the hands on a bride, the more will she be loved by her husband and mother-in-law. However, the significance of applying mehndi during weddings is not restricted just to sentiments and beliefs. Although these beliefs make the application of mehndi a much anticipated and charming tradition, the actual reason is of much deeper significance, which is sometimes forgotten in the present day. 

Core significance
Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body. Also, being a highly antiseptic agent, mehndi can protect the couple from viral diseases. Such diseases are totally undesirable just before the wedding and this medicinal herb can lend a strong shield. Any small cuts, burns or scratches that the couple might sustain during the course of so many rituals and customs can be healed easily with the application of mehndi. It improves blood circulation in the body and enhances general health. The initial practice of applying mehndi in ancient times began in order to protect the couple and keep them healthy.

Mehndi that is applied during Indian weddings is not just a plain paste of mehndi powder and water. Eucalyptus oil, a bit of clove oil and a few drops of lemon are added. These oils not only help in darkening the color of mehndi on the body, but also enhance the benefits of mehndi and make the paste highly medicinal. The best part is that the smell, the beautiful rich color and the health benefits that mehndi lends act as a powerful aphrodisiac. Also, since the color and smell remain for days, it boosts the romance in the initial days of wedding.

Islamic belief is also very strong regarding mehndi and its application during weddings is a very significant part of Islamic weddings as well. According to holy Islamic scriptures, the Prophet always administered mehndi application and as a drink to people suffering from diseases. So, it corresponds to the Hindu ideology of using mehndi before weddings. Mehndikirasmis held a couple of days before the nikah ceremony and is celebrated with a lot of pomp and honor.

Mehndi
Over the centuries, mehndi has become so ingrained in Indian tradition that today the mehndi ceremony is one of the major celebrations before the wedding. A family member or mehndi expert applies mehndi on the palms and feet of the bride. Elaborate designs are applied on the hands with a cone filled with mehndi. While the mehndi is being applied, other members of the family play the traditional dhol and dance to its beats. Every female member of family gets mehndi done on her hands and feet. The entire mood of a mehndi ceremony is extremely festive.
The mehndi ceremony takes place at the bride’s place and usually, it is held a couple of days prior to the wedding. It is a night ceremony which is accompanied with relatives, music, laughter, food and a lot of fun.

The mehndi ceremony for the groom takes place separately at his home. The bride and groom do not usually get decked up very elaborately at the time of the mehndi application, and their ensembles are very simple. Once the mehndi for the bride is done, the female relatives of the bride, especially her sisters, visit the groom’s ceremony. It is great fun as the would-be sister-in-laws play pranks on their future brother-in-law and try to get some money from him as a tradition! It is a very happy occasion for both the families. Traditional songs and music characterize the ceremony from the beginning to the end.

 Present trends in mehndi
Although times have changed and a lot of new inclusions have been made in Indian weddings, the significance of the mehndi ceremony has grown in stature. Many families bring in DJs to play songs and celebrations that go on until late in the night. If something has changed about the ceremony, it is the designs and patterns. While only intricate Indian designs were traditionally applied in the past, brides today are experimenting with Arabic designs and Indo-Arabic designs and mixing shimmer pastes along with the traditional mehndi paste. Semi precious stones are also embedded in the design. It is traditional to write the name of the groom on the bride’s palm. In some regions, this is also a small ritual after the wedding. The groom is made to search for his name, which is usually smartly written so as not be readily visible.

The mehndi ceremony is a reflection of the rich Indian culture, bringing together the knowledge of medicinal herbs with many lovely sentiments and beliefs. The result is a ceremony filled with fun and joy and the perfect precursor to the auspicious wedding day.

MANGALSTRA

A Hindu marriage symbolizes not just coming together of two individuals, but also the bonding of understanding, commitment, mutual love, oneness and spiritual growth. Traditionally, Hindu marriage is much more than just celebration and fun. It demands sacrifice, companionship, dedication, and devotion from both the partners. Each and every rituals and customs associated with marriage portrays the real essence of wedding. Traditionally, there are five signs of marital status of women, according to Hindu culture- mangalsutra, toe rings, kumkum, bangles and a nose ring. Talking about Mangalsutra, the word denotes a significant meaning. While mangal means aupiscious, sutra can be deciphered as a thread

.Significance Of Mangalsutra In Hindu Marriage
 
Mangalsutra, as such, is not just a jewelry item, but a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women, as a symbol of their successful marriage. An inevitable part of Hindu marriage ceremony, Mangalsutra refers to a revered symbol of wedlock. India being a land of diversity, different regions in the country have assigned different names for this scared symbol. While it is known as the thaaly or maangalyam in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil in Southern India, people in the northern part of India calls it Mangalsutra. It is believed that the concept of this sacred thread had its roots laid down in South India. Having immense significance and importance, it traveled to North India as well and today, forms an imperative part of the wedding ceremony.

Mangalsutra is the token of dignity and love given to a bride by her groom. On the wedding day, the groom ties the Mangalsutra around the neck of the bride, while the priest recites Vedic hymns and prays. It signifies the union of the bride and the groom, amidst the presence of deities, who are believed to be attending the marriage. In some regions, the groom ties first and his sisters tie the rest. Talking about its appearance, this sacred thread is made of two strings of small black beads with a locket or pendant. Sometimes, it is also made of small beads of gold and black beads, with gold and diamond pendant.

Considered auspicious for married women, mangalsutra is believed to have divine powers. Each of the black beads in the Mangalsutra, signify protection from evil power and are believed to protect the marriage of a couple, essentially the life of the husband. Hindu women feel superstitious, when this scared thread breaks or gets lost. In the present times, mangalsutra are boasts of various designs and patterns. While the Gujaratis and Marwaris often go for a diamond pendant, Maharashtrians have a pendant that consists of one or two vatis and Bengalis in the meanwhile, have coral incorporated in the designing of the Mangalsutra.

Present Scenario

 
Today, the concept of wearing a mangalsutra has changed considerably. It is more of a fashion statement than a symbol of marriage, thanks to modernization. With the progressive times, the wearing of mangalsutra in working women has considerably reduced. There is also a marked change in the style and making of mangalsutra over the years. Previously, women used to wear simple design mangalsutra, with small pendants, but now, the trend is to wear short length ones, that too with a single string. Instead of gold pendants, they prefer diamond ones. However, the black beads have still managed to remain constant. Whatever may be the reason to adore it, mangalsutra surely symbolizes the real essence and concept of a Hindu marriage

DUE TO FASHION WOMENS DONT PREFER WEARING MANGLASUTRA NOW A DAYS 
give ur views wether it is important or not according to ur views

BANGLES

A bangle is one of the most important ornaments that an Indian woman wears. For married women, bangles hold a special significance as they are a sign of their suhaag.

Traditional significance of bangles

Every region has a separate set of rituals that are associated with bangles. Would-be-brides wear the smallest possible bangles with the help of oil. This signifies that her married life would be full of love and affection.

• In the southern states, gold is considered extremely auspicious. In some communities, the brides wear green coloured glass bangles along with the gold ones, since green signifies fertility and prosperity.
• In Bengal, a new bride wears a conch shell bangle and a red coral bangle, which are locally called shakha and pola. Apart from this, the mother-in-law gifts her daughter-in-law a gold plated iron bangle the moment she enters her new household
• In Rajasthan and Gujarat, the brides wear such ivory bangles or chooda as well. In Gujarat, the bride’s maternal uncle gives her the chooda in a ceremony called mameru, along with the bridal silk saree with the red border.In Punjab, brides-to-be wear ivory and red bangles called chooda. The maternal uncle of the bride gifts her a set of chooda. She is supposed to wear these bangles for a given period of time, and they can wear these for a minimum of forty days or longer depending on the individual family’s custom.In Maharashtra, the bridal chooda is significantly different. The brides wear green glass bangles in odd numbers. The green signifies creativity, new life and fertility. They wear these along with solid gold bangles called patlya and carved kadas called tode. The gold bangles are usually gifted by the groom's family.

•  BANGLES AS A FASHION TREND  

  

  When we ready for any gathering we try to look fashionable and trendy for that we do every type of makeup or fashion but simplicity is an inner fashion or trend for someone in olden days when girls just wear bangles or choorian and look pretty for every eye. Ladies who are in old age they wear simple bangles or choorian some of them wear gold karra but young girls wear bright color choorian or bangles etc.In mehndi girls prefer yellow, green, pink or orange color bangles. They design their hair style with the help of choorian they decorate the dupattas with choorian or bangles. It is our traditional or cultural part we love to see choorian and its bright color. It is made of glass and plastic. It is a hard process but after heat it looks beautiful and eye catching. Pakistan, India or Bangladesh is those countries who mostly use choorian but western countries use bangles.On eid all the girls gather in one place and find matching choorian. They are confused after seen too much color and they spend full day for just choorian shopping mostly it is the day before eid which is called Chand raat when husbands allow their wives to buy what they want for eid. Choorian give charming feelings on ladies face.

  
  Kids are also too keen about their choorian selection at the time of shopping they first tell I buy matching choorian on any festival. Kids look pretty in it. On eid girls and baby girls look elegant and charming in choorian or bangles.  Choorian is considering a best gift on eid or shady events. Girls pack it in beautiful paper and decorate the bucket where those bangles are arranged and give it to their beloved friend. Boys also agree on that it is most eyes catching and cheapest price gift but it increase their feeling of love.
  First eid after engagement boy’s family give bangles as a gift with matching dress and shoe.Choorian decorate your arms and give you long look. It boosts your confidence level and feels you proud. Chooriyan also give your arm a lengthy and slim look.
  The sound of choorian is most favourite for poets and boys. Poet mostly resembles choorian with love but some time in sadness that choorian show another side of the life.Unmarried girls wear glass made choorian but married ladies wear gold choorian, bangles or karra. In Asian countries especially in Pakistan and India golden choorian is a sign of marriage. On barat bridal wear golden bangles and after that it wears those bangles forever. Gold Bangle
  
  
  s are most demanding accessories for girls jewelry. Different beautiful design karras are also ordered for bridals.

Bindi

A bindi is a red dot worn on the centre of the forehead, commonly by Hindu and Jain women. The word Bindu dates back to the hymn of creation known as Nasadiya Sukta in Rig Veda.^[1] Bindu is considered the point at which creation begins and may become unity. It is also described as "the sacred symbol of the cosmos in its unmanifested state"
Why womens wear bindi

A bindi is much more than a fashion statement or a sign of tradition and religion. This cultural practice actually has a number of health benefits!These benefits stem from the fact that the bindi is worn at the point in between the two eyebrows. This point has tremendous significance in the ancient healing arts.

Significance in yoga

According to yoga, this point is known as the ‘ajna chakra’ or ‘agya chakra.’ It is the sixth and most powerful chakra in the human body and it encompasses the head, eyes, brain, pineal gland and pituitary gland.

This chakra plays a major role in yogic meditation; many meditation techniques require you to focus on this point. The pranayama technique of Brahmari, meaning bee breath, is focused solely on opening up this chakra. Several yoga poses, including Balasana (Child’s Pose) and Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose), involve touching your forehead to the ground in order to stimulate this chakra. Lord Shiva’s third eye is also located at this point, and it is believed to be the centre of knowledge, intuition, awakening and awareness.

Significance in acupressure

Apart from yoga, the ancient Chinese practice of acupressure also places great stock in this point. According to acupressure, this point is known as The Third Eye (GV24.5) and pressing it for a few seconds every day is believed to have a number of health benefits.

Ladies, you've probably noticed that it takes you that long to put on your bindi – you place it, adjust it a little and then press it down firmly to make sure it stays in place. Even if you don’t wear it exactly between your eyebrows and place it a little higher instead, it still has the same health benefits.

Relieves headaches.

 According to acupressure, pressing this point for a few seconds can relieve a headache almost instantly, because a number of key nerves and blood vessels converge at this point.

Clears up your sinuses.

The trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the entire face, passes through this area. This nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves and it has three branches, as you can probably tell from the name. Stimulating this nerve helps reduce the swelling and congestion in your sinuses.

Improves vision and eye health.

The supratrochlear nerve also passes through this area. This nerve is a branch of the frontal nerve, which in turn is a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. It is connected to all the muscles around the eyes, so stimulating this nerve is believed to improve vision and eye health.

Keeps your skin young.

The trigeminal nerve’s branches cover pretty much your entire face. Stimulating this nerve helps keep your skin young and your facial muscles strong.

Improves hearing.

One of the nerves passing through this area also stimulates your cochlear, which is a part of the inner ear that is key to hearing.

Relieves stress, eye strain, fatigue and insomnia.

You’ve probably noticed that when you’re stressed out, your eyebrows and forehead get bunched up and become very tense. This region bears the brunt of your stress, so relaxing it can relieve stress to a great extent. Balasana (Child’s Pose) is considered to be one of the most relaxing yoga poses because it stimulates this area. Acupressure also advocates stimulating this area to relieve stress, fatigue and eye strain.
It is believed that stimulating this point relaxes the face and body to the extent that it prevents insomnia and promotes restful sleep. This point is also very closely linked to the pineal gland, a tiny pea-sized gland in the brain that produces the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin is the sleep hormone, whereas serotonin is one of the hormones related to happines

Boosts memory and concentration.

According to both yoga and acupressure, stimulating this point boosts memory and concentration.

Improves intuition and awareness.

According to pranayama, this chakra is linked to intuition, creativity, spiritual awareness, visualisation, wisdom, intellect and understanding
 FASHION STATMENTS

Now wear a bindi with western wear

No Indian attire is complete without an appropriate bindi, and over the years it has turned into a fashion statement not only in India but in the West as well. The number of young girls sporting bindi abroad is noticeable.



Has bindi become a fad again?



"If you ask me, bindi is neither in nor out. It fits beautifully with the Indian look, especially saris. Yes, Madonna and many other pop stars use bindi. It's fun for them to look different, but for us it creates a magic. And being an Indian we cannot keep ourselves apart from bindi. As Indian designers we have to create a little magic so that it breaks the barrier of being Indian to a global format," Delhi-based designer Joy Mitra told IANS.

Sindoor (vermillion)

Sindoor is a red colored powder that is applied on the center parting of a bride hair. This is one of the sacred  symbol of married woman (Suhaag) in India, just like ring in western countries. Girls do not put Sindoor before marriage. For the first time groom puts vermillion on bride’s head during wedding rituals. In some Hindu culture it is mandatory to have Sindoor on married woman’s head all the time.

WHY MARRIED WOMENS APPLY SINDOOR

Since time immemorial, Hindu married women apply sindoor (vermillion) in the parting of their hair (where the hair is parted when it is combed.). According to ancient Hindu scriptures, sindoor holds a lot of importance in Indian society and married women wearing sindoor is considered auspicious.

Have you ever wondered why married women apply sindoor? Is it only applied as a symbol of them being married? Wearing sindoor is more than a symbol of marriage, it is a tradition, which is followed for various reasons. 

• 

  The tradition of wearing sindoor by married women has been explained in Indian mythology. According to religious scriptures, red is the color of power and vermilion represents the female energy of Sati and Parvati.

   

  Sati is considered an ideal Hindu wife because she gave her life for her husband's honor. Hindus believe that Goddess Parvati grants ‘Akhand Soubhagya’ (lifelong good fortune) to all the females who wear sindoor in their hair parting.
• Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and mercury. Mercury controls blood pressure and activates sexual drive. Sindoor should be applied right up to the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered.
• Sindoor is worn on one's forehead where there is Ajna chakra or Brahma sthana. Sindoor is supposed to keep the place cool and thus healthy!
• Our head is one of the five places Goddess Lakshmi resides on Earth. So wearing Kumkum shows our respect towards the Goddess, which ultimately brings prosperity to family.
• Wearing sindoor is a cultural practice in the northern India, it is not there in the south at all.
• In North India, it is customary for a husband to apply sindoor on his wife's forehead during important festivals such as Navaratri and Sankranti. Besides, Sindoor and kumkum are also offered to Gods mostly in temples dedicated to Shakti, Lakshmi and Vishnu. 

SINDOOR IN MODERN DAYS 
All though appling sindoor is very usefull but now a days womens hesitate to apply it and this tredition can be seen ending .Still all womens who are married apply it on auspicious days like festivals or some family functions