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Archive for August, 2009
Sunday, August 30th, 2009
Jewelry forms a very important part of the overall attire of an Indian bride. In fact, the bridal look is believed to be incomplete unless the bride wears each and every piece of the jewelry meant for her. In majority of the Indian weddings, you will find the bride wearing yellow gold jewelry. However, depending on the budget, some people might opt for silver, platinum, white gold or diamond jewelry as well. Precious stones, such as ruby, jade, garnet, emerald, amethyst and pearl, are also widely used in Indian bridal jewelry. While you might see some variation in the bridal jewelry, depending on the particular region of the country where it is taking place, the basic items remain the same. Let us know more about the jewelry for an Indian bride.
Types Of Indian Bridal Jewelry
Shringar Patti
Shringar patti can be described as a kind of tiara, usually in gold, which adorns the forehead of the bride. It is placed along her hairline and has a circular plaque in the middle, which hangs below the hair line (on the forehead).
Maang Tikka
Maang Tikka can be said to be a shortened version of the shringaar patti. It comprises of a string, with a center piece attached to one end and a hook to the other. It is worn by the bride in center parting of the hair.
Bridal Set (Necklace & Earrings)
The outfit of a bride is incomplete without the bridal set, which comprises of a heavy neck piece, along with matching earrings. It is usually selected keeping in mind the color and overall style of the bridal dress.
Nath (Nose Ring)
Nath forms yet another important part of the bridal jewelry. It comprises of a studded nose ring, which has a long chain attached to it. The chain is hooked up in the hair of the bride, above the ear.
Chudi (Bangles)
Chudi (bangles), of gold as well as in glass, makes up a part of the overall jewelry worn by a bride. In some of the cases (like Punjabi weddings), the glass bangles are replaced by ivory ones, in red and white color (called chuda).
Hathphool (Bracelet with Rings)
Hathphool is a beautiful piece of jewelry that adorns the wrist as well as the fingers of the bride. It comprises of a bracelet, with one of the more strings attached to it, having rings(s) at the other end.
Anguthi (Finger Rings)
While wearing hathphool is not compulsory for a bride, anguthi surely is. Apart from the engagement ring, in the ring finger of her left hand, she wears one or more gold/diamond rings as well (in the other fingers).
Bichhua (Toe Ring)
An essential part of the bridal jewelry, in many states of India, bichhua comprises of a toe ring, usually in silver. It is also regarded as one of the signs of a married woman and is worn in pairs only.
Payal (Anklet)
Along with the toe ring, a bride is always required to wear payal, also known as pajeb, as a part of her wedding jewelry. It adorns the ankle of a bride, is made of silver (mostly) and has meenakari, kundan or beads as decorations.
Mangal Sutra (Necklace with Black Beads)
The most important part of the bridal jewelry is mangal sutra. However, it is not worn by the bride before the marriage. Rather, it is tied by her husband (around her neck), as symbol of their union. It comprises of a string of black beads, with a gold or diamond pendant.
Kamarband (Waist Band)
In the earlier times, the bride used to wear the kamarband around her waist. A heavy piece of jewelry, it was meant to support the wedding dress and keep in place. These days, it might or might not be worn by the bride.
Baaju Band (Arm Bands)
Baju band used to be a necessary part of the bridal jewelry, at one point of time in the past. However, these days, wearing it is optional. Some brides might wear one in each of the arms, while other may go for a single piece only
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By: iloveindia
Posted in Indian Jewelry | 1 Comment »
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
Indian Furniture give style and comfort to every home. It helps to add character and elegance to your place. Wooden furniture has always been known for its durability, elegance and design, which lends an aristocratic look to a particular room, be it an office or a home. The reason why Indian furniture has been regarded as prized possession is its ethnic flavour. Items of Indian furniture are normally made from mango wood, rosewood or sheesham wood and generally posses a rustic style.
Items of Indian furniture are classic and will fit well in many different homes. Indian furniture makes a fantastic focal point for a room, and due to the unique nature receives a great deal of attention from guests to the home.
Now hand crafted wood furniture was much appreciated by the furniture lovers. Such type of furniture was designed by chitra handicrafts these furniture is manufactured by rosewood. Furniture collection come with a natural lacquer finish and rustic good looks. Each piece is used with brilliant colours.
Check out shopnamaste.com for great indian home decor.
By: Free Press Release
Posted in Home decorating | 1 Comment »
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
Kundan Jewelry is another blend of gold jewelry. Here, highly refined gold is used in conjunction with a special material called lac. Lac is a natural resin made from a hardened tree sap. Here, each piece of jewelry containing holes is separately made. These pieces are then joined to make one single piece by soldering. Engraving work is then done, depending upon the design. Following this, lac is laid out in these holes and can be seen from the front side. On this highly refined gold is poured, followed by the precious stone. The lac is covered by the gold and the precious stone is finally set. For extra durability, more kundan or refined gold can be added.
A single piece of Kundan jewelry is done by different artisans. The chiterias do the work of basic designing of the jewelry, engraving work is carried out be ghaarias, the enameling work is done be the enameler, the goldsmith looks after the gold or kundan work and finally stone setters do work of just setting the precious stone in the holes of the jewelry. Different precious stones which can be incorporated in kundan jewelry comprise of agate, garnet, emerald, topaz, amethyst, jade, rock crystal, spinel, uncut diamonds, sapphires etc.
Rajasthan and it cities of Jaipur, Nathdwara and Bikaner are well known for kundan jewelry. You will be surprised to see the variety of kundan jewelry available here ranging from jewelry sets, earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, armbands, nose rings etc. Intricate motifs, designs and engravings make each piece of kundan jewelry distinct and striking from each other. Most of the kundan jewelry available today is replicas of earlier designs of the olden days.
Posted in Indian Jewelry | 1 Comment »
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
This festival is celebrated on Bhadarva Sud 4th
Ganesh’s Birth
Once Lord Shiva left his usual dwelling on Mt.Kailas in the Himalayas, to meditate in one of the caves in the same mountain. Two friends of Parvati, his consort, suggested that she should have a ‘gana’ - attendant of their own, since they were not too happy with Shivaji’s ‘ganas’. Parvati agreed. Soon after, using her divine powers, she created a son, naming him Vinayak. She instructed him to guard their home.
When Shivaji returned Vinayak prevented him from entering. After some bickering, Shivaji beheaded Vinayak with his ‘trishul’ (trident). When Parvati heard of this she lamented intensely. Shivaji realised his error. To set things right he sent his men to the forest to fetch the head of the first living thing they met. They encountered a baby elephant and returned with its head. With his divine power, Shivaji placed the head over his son’s body. Instantly Vinayak sprung to life. Henceforth Vinayak also earned the name of Gajaanan. ‘Gaja’ means elephant. Shivaji blessed him with a boon that people would first worship and offer him dedication in all their auspicious activities. Those who didn’t would not attain success.
Bhadarva Sud 4th is the day Parvati was offering the final pujan to the dead Ganeshji, when he resurrected.
Symbolism and Import
Since Ganeshji represents auspiciousness, his whole being has symbolic imports for devotees:
Large ears - signify listening to God’s katha with great zeal.
Small eyes - to do the Lord’s darshan minutely.
Large forehead - to develop great intellect to realise God.
Large stomach - depicts his great capacity to empathise with the woes of devotees.
Short legs - depicts patience.
Long trunk - symbolic of his deep scriptural wisdom.
Mouse as vehicle - a hyperactive creature, symbolic of our indriyas. Therefore Ganesh sitting on such a vehicle represents a deity of control over the indriyas.
Four arms - which hold: ‘ankush’ - symbol for control over the mind
‘ladu’ - for happiness
‘pash’ - axe to punish the indriyas and antahkaran
‘ashirvad mudra’ - blessings for the well being of humanity
Depending on the role of Ganapati, the number of arms varies, as do the type of objects.
Festival & Ritual
On this day every household in Maharashtra installs a small clay murti of Ganeshji in their homes. He is offered pujan and prasad until Sud 14 - Anant Chaturthi. This is celebrated with great festivity and fervor and the murti is taken to a river or lake and submerged. A well known chant is chanted during the procession for submersion :
Ganpati Bapa Moriya - Farewell O Lord Ganpati!
Gheema ladu choriya - Who avails ‘ladus’ soaked in ghee
Pudcha varsi laukariya - Return in haste next year.
Bapa Moriya re, Bapa Moriya re - O Lord farewell, O Lord farewell…
In Gujarat and in the Swaminarayan mandirs a clay or plaster of paris murti of Ganesh is installed on Ganesh Chaturthi and worshiped for ten days. The murti is submerged on ‘Parivartini’ i.e. ‘Jal Zilani’ Ekadashi. Devotees observe a waterless fast. The traditional prasad offered to Lord Ganeshji are chopped cucumbers and ‘ladus’ - sweet balls of wheat flour, ghee and sugar.
Five pujas and arti are offered, together with a boat ride after each arti before Ganeshji’s ‘Visarjan’ - submergence.
In this manner Ganesh is a deity of auspiciousness, wisdom and wealth. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival inspiring devotees to inculcate redemptive virtues in their lives.
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By: BAPS.org
Posted in Other | 1 Comment »
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
The Meaning of Raksha Bandhan
Relationships are the essence of celebration and it holds true for any Indian festival. Each festival brings the family together which calls for a total festive environment. Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of one such relation - the relation of a brother and a sister. The relation is no where so celebrated as in India. Raksha Bandhan is a festival which celebrates the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. It is a day when the siblings pray for each others’ well being and wish for each others’ happiness and goodwill.
The name ‘Raksha Bandhan’ suggests ‘a bond of protection’. On this auspicious day, brothers make a promise to their sisters to protect them from all harms and troubles and the sisters pray to God to protect their brother from all evil. The festival falls on the Shravan Purnima which comes generally in the month of August. Sisters tie the silk thread called Rakhi on their brother’s wrist and pray for their well being and brothers promise to take care of their sisters.
The Significance
Raksha Bandhan is now considered as a day to celebrate the sacred relation of a brother and a sister. Yet there have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings. The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safe guard them from the evil. It is by all means the ‘Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva’ or the day that bestows boons and end all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures.
Previously, Rakhi festival encompasses the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it. Some people tie Rakhi to neighbours and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. Rakhi Utsav was first popularized by Rabindranath Tagore to promote the feeling of unity and a commitment to all members of society to protect each other and encourage a harmonious Social life.
In today’s scenario, the day has a different perspective. The occasion involves a pledge of life-time practice of moral, cultural and spiritual values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence. The festival of Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin. The ritual of Rakhi tying has become so important that come what may, brothers and sisters try to visit each other place on this particular day tin order to bring back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond of love.
By: Raksha Bandhan
Posted in Other | No Comments »
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
We all get stumble across the dreaded decorators block now and then, finding it difficult to make decisions despite wanting a change. Get inspired and back into the swing of things with our 5 simple tips for bedroom interiors.
Interior Tip # 1: Use a neutral color scheme.
A well-constructed color scheme helps bring a room together. Plan your color scheme using a palette of three colors. Work with one main color in a room to create the base. Add a secondary color to be used in a smaller quantity, such as for one wall. Neutral paint colors in medium values will help to create a room that lulls you to sleepSave your brightest hue for the third accent color. Use this color in smaller amounts – on artwork, luxury bedding, throw pillows, wall hangings, and flower vases.
Interior Tip # 2: Invest in classic pieces.
Allocate the largest portion of your decorating budget on bedroom furniture that will have a long life such as solid wooden beds, dresser chests and bedside tables. Keep these investment pieces in good condition and they will provide a solid foundation for your bedroom. Use your decorating prowess to complement your bedroom furniture with luxury bedding, throw pillows and accessories working around your décor scheme.
Interior Tip # 3: Choose versatile bedroom furniture.
Versatile pieces are worth their weight in gold. Whip off a throw or summer slipcover to reveal your classic upholstered accent chair, ready for fall or a new décor scheme. A chest of drawers or blanket chest can take on many roles – in many rooms — as your needs change or you move from home to home. Likewise, an upholstered ottoman can function as a coffee table or extra seating. These pieces will work hard and give you more than your money’s worth over time.
Interior Tip # 4: Update with Accessories.
A well-planned interior can take you from summer to winter with just a few simple changes. By keeping your walls and furniture simple, you can update the whole look of your living room or bedroom just by changing accessories.Classic bedroom furniture, neutral walls and upholstery in plain textured fabrics will allow you to decorate around them as you change your mind, update seasonally, or move homes. Simply update your scheme by swapping throw pillows, duvet cover sets, wall hangings and curtains.So, you can choose a handmade wooden bed for the long term, and complement the rich wood with ruby red throw pillows in the winter and vibrant yellow for the summer. Get creative!
Interior Tip # 5: Keep it Simple.
Clear out the clutter from your bedroom by using clever storage techniques such as under-bed drawers and concealed storage. Use a blanket chest to function as a coffee table as well as a place to store your bed linen. Remember, your bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can relax, switch off from the day and get a good nights rest.
Check out bedspreads and other home decor products on shopnamaste.com.
By:Tribal Monsoon
Posted in Home decorating | 1 Comment »
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
Indian Tikkas come with most of our traditional kundan sets. It completes most Indian Jewelry. For Indian brides, it is an absolute must to have a Tikka with your Jewelry set. The tikkas are usually anywhere from 5-8 inches long. You can hang them on your forehead as low as you want. The best place to hang the tikka would be 1-2 inches down from your hairline. If you have a longer forehead, you can hang it down lower. Usually the middle of your forehead is a good mark to hang the tikka. The tikka usually has a hook at the end of it. The hook can be put in the hair; however, you usually some more support. BobbyPins work perfectly. Use a few bollypins to keep the tikka placed in the hair on top.
Most jewelry sets come with a tikka (headpiece). Check out some exclusive jewelry sets for any occassion on shopnamaste.com.
By: Bombay Fashions
Posted in Indian Jewelry | 1 Comment »
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