Everything About Uttarakhand Traditional Jewellery

Uttarakhand, one of the most beautiful states in North India, is also known as the Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods). Its culture is both rich and varied, a blessing from God.
 
The stunning Pahari women of Uttarakhand love to accessorise with gorgeous silver and gold pieces. You can't travel to the hills without seeing Pahari women decked out in their uttarakhand traditional jewellery, which includes the Bulaq (gold or silver nose ring), Kundal (gold or silver earrings), Paunje (silver anklets), and other items. Hansuli, Chandan Haar, and Galo bandh were known for their lavish gold necklaces. However, as Pahari women increasingly choose modern jewellery styles, it is becoming more unusual to see them wearing the traditional jewellery of their culture.

Many contemporary Pahari ladies are seen sporting expensive and flashy jewellery that lacks the understated grace of traditional pieces. So let's show the world the beauty of conventional Uttarakhand jewellery and bring it back to life.

Galobandh

Galobandh, often spelt "Galabandh," is a piece of jewellery that plays a significant role in Kumaoni tradition. Women from the Kumaoni, Garhwali, Bhotiya, and Jaunsari communities wear this necklace. As its name implies, the Galobandh is worn around the neck and reserved only for married women. The golden, square-shaped jewellery pieces in Galobandh are organised artfully with a thread on a red belt, making it stand out from other designs. Despite its elegance, this kind of jewellery is quickly becoming obsolete as contemporary pieces push them aside. Women in the countryside strongly prefer the accessory, whereas city dwellers tend to overlook it.

Bulaq

Bulaq is a beautiful piece of nasal septum jewellery handcrafted with intricate pattern designs. In the past, women from Garhwal, Kumaon, and the Jaunsar region wore them. But nowadays, even Pahari women seldom wear this style since it has fallen out of favour. The bulaq is a stunning piece of jewellery that adorns the nose's bridge.

Skilled goldsmiths crafted it, carving elaborate motif motifs onto metal. Then, women from Garhwal, Kumaon, and the Jaunsar region wore them often. The fad for Bulaq, however, has long since faded and is now regarded as archaic.

Pahunchi

Bangles and Pahunchi are gold and often worn in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand. Married women wear Pahunchi in Kumaon on special occasions such as festivals and family gatherings since it is considered a random treasure. The standard size for pahunchi is one tola. However, this might vary depending on the wealth of the bride's family. The genuine gold pearls are set in a crimson fabric. Women are encouraged to wear red since it is said to bring good luck in marriage.

Kanfool or Karnfool

Kan-fool, also known as Flower of Ear, is meant to be worn in the ear, as the name would imply. This piece of Pahari jewellery is a masterwork from the classical period.

The Kanthi Mala, Mungo ki Mala, Chawanni Mala, Thwaq, Gongkhle or Bajuband, Jhinwara, Pauta, Imarti, Timanya, etc., all deserve recognition as well.

Conclusion

Any woman is not complete without her jewellery. Women of many races, classes, and social statuses are passionate about rubbing on jewellery. A woman's attractiveness is thought to be amplified by her jewellery. The jewellery of the Pahari people is unlike anything else.

Report this Page