India is a country of colours, traditions and festivals. The unity in diversity which is seen in India can be seen nowhere. The importance of jewellery in India is not limited to fashion or a piece of ornament. The ornaments are considered to be auspicious in the rituals and traditions practised in India. In India, the importance of jewellery is not limited to a piece of ornament used for enhancing the beauty of lady. Every single piece of jewellery carries its own importance and speaks its own meaning in its own way. From head to toe, a woman carries various types of ornaments which signify various traditions. People might have heard about the “solah shringar” or 16 adornments that complete the dress up of woman in India. It not only looks colourful but carries religious importance too. For the people who do not know that what “solah shringar” is, here is the brief description of beautiful 16 adornments:

• Bridal Dress: No wedding is complete without a beautiful bridal dress. Heavy embroideries, alluring color-combinations, designer borders are just unavoidable. But do you know that it has a vast description in mythology too? The bright colors of wedding dress, especially red color speak about the youth, modesty and virginity of the bride.
• Hair do: Stylish hair-do adds up to the beauty of the lady. Properly done braid coiled with natural (flowers) or unnatural (jewellery like mang tika, bhor or borla) hair accessories or big bun can take off anyone’s heart. The Hindu mythology not only considers it as style statement but also says that they need to be tied up so that the open hair of the bride does not enchant the groom.
• Neckpiece: Whether it is an expensive designer necklace or flower based natural neck piece, it always adds to the beauty of the lady. Besides wearing a matching necklace, a bride wears a mangalsutra too which is tied up by the groom around the bride’s neck. The mangalsutra is made of black beads which keep the bad energies away from bride and groom. Also, this small piece of thread depicts the longevity of groom’s life.
• Bangles: Worn for the long life of husband, type of bangles or bracelet worn by the bride may vary from gold to silver to glass to lac. The colourful bangles in the hands of the lady are the symbol of happy and successful marriage.
• Mehendi:  Leaves of henna tree are the main sources of mehendi which is applied on the hands and feet of the bride and groom. The intricate designs of mehendi not only looks beautiful on the hands of bride and groom but also indicate the love
• Waist Band: A belt (kamarbandh) embellished by gold and other precious, semi-precious stones tied around the waist enhancing the beauty of the bride and keeping the outfit in place. Mythology relates it with the future success of the couple and their child’s health.
• Anklets and Toe Rings: Initially worn to indicate the presence of women in the house, anklets are the bands with beautiful small bells tied around the ankle. The payals (anklets) and bichuas (toe rings) are made of silver and are considered as the symbol of marriage.
• Armlet: An armlet or baajuband is a stone studded gold ornament which is worn on the upper arms and keeps the evils away.
• Thumb Rings: Also known as aarsi, these thumb rings necessarily have mirrors embedded in them which allow a bride to catch a glimpse of the groom before the wedding ceremonies.
• Hanging String: Kalirein or hanging strings are worn by Punjabi or Sikh women. These are tied to the bangles and as per traditions, women is not allowed to perform the chores until her wedding bangles are removed.
• Vermillion:  Sindoor or vermillion is a red powder which is put by the groom into the centre hair parting of the bride. It indicates the blessings of Parvati and Sati. It attracts positive energy and protects the groom from the evil spirits. Presence of sindoor also confirms the life of the groom.
• Bindi: A red dot of vermillion powder not only decorates the forehead of the lady but also gives the power to sensitize the upcoming bad destined in the future.
• Eyeliner (Kajal): Kajal is applied on the lower lid of eyes of the bride. It adds to the attractive appeal of the bride along with protecting her from the bad eyes. It is considered to ward off the evil spirits from the bride
• Earrings (Karnphool): As known to everyone, earrings adorn the beauty of earrings. Varying in designs, colors, metal and stones, earing is a kind of adornment that carries an auspicious value in Indian weddings.
• Nose Ring (Nath): Worn in left nostril, nose rings are made of pearls, gemstones, gold or diamonds. These are the symbol of bravery, rite of passage, spirituality and royalty. Some extends the nath with gold chain and tuck them in their hair.
• Perfume (Itar): Good smell brings positivity. Therefore, itar (perfume) is applied on the bride when she is completely dressed up. Bringing positivity and keeping freshness alive are the main motives behind using the sweet smelling perfumes.