Maharashtra takes pride in preserving its heritage through the preservation of culture and jewellery. Maharashtrian traditional jewellery is among the exquisite designs that best represent the state’s rich cultural heritage. The treasure trove is full of varieties that can adorn you from head to toe.
Maharashtrian women often wear gold ornament designs. Whether it is a mangalsutra or other ornaments, they prefer to wear gold, as they believe gold is an auspicious metal, and wearing gold ornament designs protects against negative energies.
You have come to the correct spot if you are looking for traditional jewelry from Maharashtra. In this article, we will delve into the most popular and cherished forms of Maharashtrian traditional jewellery, their significance, and their unique features.
List Of Most Popular Maharashtrian Traditional Jewellery
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Kolhapuri Saaj
Kolhapuri is the most famous city in Maharashtra, popular for its Kolhapuri Saaj. It is a necklace that married women wear. Its intricate design consists of 21 leaves carved in 22-carat gold. All the leaves have significance. Out of 21 leaves, 10 represent ten different incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The remaining eight pendants represent auspiciousness, happiness, and prosperity; two have emerald and ruby stones, and the last one is the Taviz, which protects the couple from evil.
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Vaati Gold Mangalsutra
The Vaati gold mangalsutra of Maharashtra holds a distinct allure with its unique design. It is gifted by the groom to the bride on their special day of marriage. The groom ties this around the bride’s neck in front of all the family members and accepts her as his life partner. The Maharashtrian gold mangalsutra consists of two bowl-shaped pendants strung on a gold chain with gold and black beads. The black beads in the mangalsutra protect the couple from the evil eye.
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Kolhapuri Thushi
Kolhapuri thushi is the timeless traditional necklace of Maharashtra that has its roots in the Peshwa period. It is designed with many tiny gold beads that are closely woven and strung together with an adjustable cord.
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Nath
Another piece of Maharashtrian traditional jewellery consists of the royal nath. A royal nath is a crescent-shaped nose ring adorned with white and pink pearls and stones. Marathi ladies wear this beautiful nath on every special occasion, from marriage to religious ceremonies and sacred family functions.
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Mohanmaal
It is the most sophisticated and simple-looking gold necklace set. It is designed with simple gold beads embedded in a single thread.
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Kaan (Karna Phool)
Kaan, or karna phool, is a traditional gold ear cuff studded with pearls. It is worn on the upper part of the earlobe or along the outer edge of the ear. Its intricate design is influenced by traditional motifs like peacocks, flowers, and geometric patterns.
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Chooda
A Maharashtrian bride is incomplete without this beautiful green chooda. Every married lady in Maharashtra wears a set of green and gold bangles called chooda. The green color symbolizes fertility and prosperity, and hence, just like red bangles in north India, Maharashtrian women prefer to wear green bangles on every special occasion.
