The Gujarati bride is either elegantly dressed in the Panetar, a pure white saree with a red border, or the Gharchola, a deep red saree criss-crossed with woven gold checks. Radiant as she is, the Vadhu is adorned in intricate gold and diamond jewellery as she embarks on a new journey heralded by the four Mangalpheras, each symbolic of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
Just as a wedding brings together families and communities, the chandan haar joins together strands of pure gold chains.
The traditional chandan haar complements the auspicious red and green colours of the Vadhu's Panetar saree and Gharchola Odhni. This piece of jewellery is an ode to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
The exquisitely detailed chandra haar adds to the unique finery that adorns the Vadhu.
Finely crafted beads, pearls and leaves in gold are fused together in multiple strings that drape around the bride’s neck. This symbolises the prosperity that a young bride, a living embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, is said to bring to her husband’s home.
