Imperial and regal, the Rajasthani bride is dressed in a gota patti ghaghra-choli and adorned in traditional jewellery - rakhdi, bajubandhs, gorgeous balis, and a choker with uncut diamonds called a timaniyaan. Eyes aglow, she is led to the mandap to take her vows with her soulmate for a lifetime of happiness together.
The spectacular collar-neckpiece or aadh is a part of the signature jewellery of the Rajasthani bride and is made up of interlocked pieces or a single slab of pure gold with an overlay of precious stones.
This comes in the padla presented to the bride by the groom’s family during the Samela Dastoor before the wedding. By wearing the heavily carved pendant and the wedding poshak, the Banni honours her to-be husband and his family.
The classic Rajasthani bajubandh, fashioned out of gold and studded with precious stones, is traditionally gifted to the bride by her sister-in-law to seal the groom’s promise to look after his bride for the rest of his life.
Worn on the upper arm, this elegant pair invokes strength and ability for the bride to help her step into her new life with confidence.
The gajra bangle is meant to resemble hair-garlands or gajras made with the delicate jasmine flower, while the use of pearls enhance the beauty of the bride’s graceful hands.
It is said that when the Banni leaves for her new home, she carries with her the ‘fragrance' of her parents blessings with the help of these gajra bangles.
It is when all the wedding ceremonies have been performed that the Rajasthani bride dons the most important piece of her jewellery – the rakhdi tikka or borla.
This unique circular, gem-studded version of the maang tikka gets its name from bor or jujube - a round fruit typically found in Rajasthan.
Hung by a short, studded chain, it lies on the parting of the Banni’s hair. The borla is given to the bride by her in-laws and is traditionally worn by her throughout her marriage, thus marking an eternal union with her husband.
