Gujarati Hindu Bride Doll

The Gujarati Hindu bride is a sight to behold. The traditional ensemble of a Gujarati bride on her wedding day is deeply connected with the customs and traditions of the family and the caste/community to which she belongs. The traditional Gujrati bridal attire is the Panetar saree. A traditional Panetar saree is usually a shade of white the end ‘pallu’ of the saree that covers the wearer’s bosom being a shade of red or green with heavily embellished gold embroidery and sequin work. After the wedding rituals, for the Bidaai ceremony (bride’s farewell ceremony to officially bid farewell as she leaves for her marital home), the bride dons a Gharchola saree. (It is gifted to the bride by her mother-in-law.) The red and green colours of the Gharchola symbolize auspiciousness and fertility respectively. The Gharchola is basically Bandhini saree with gold checks adorning its span and multiple motifs associated with Gujarati culture. (The Bandhini is a traditional heritage textile of Gujarat.)

Gharchola sarees with their amalgamated 21^st century versions. Most modern Gujarati brides prefer a trendy Panetar lehenga (ankle length skirt) with choli (blouse) and a heavily embellished Gharchola dupatta (a shawl worn over the shoulders & bosom).

Hindus believe that jewellery strengthens and signify the sanctity of holy matrimony. If you ever see a Hindu bride decked in her wedding finery, you will marvel at the fact that the Hindus have, over millennia, mastered the art of adorning jewellery on so many locations of the human body and that too in such an impressive and striking manner! (No wonder that India is the second largest consumer of gold in the world!)

Gujarati brides usually prefer gold, Kundan (Indian gemstone jewellery) and diamond ornaments. (No surprises there as Gujarat is home to the largest diamond polishing hub in the world.)  complement a Gujarati bride’s wedding attire. The Gujarati bride’s hair is beautifully tied back in an adorned bun. Her head is covered with a dupatta. Between her eyebrows, she adorns a red Bindi. Her head ornaments include a Matha-tikka (a pendant resting at the centre of her forehead over the hairline) and Damani (a gold and gemstone ornament bordering the entire hairline of her forehead). Dangling from her ear lobes are Kundan Butti Earrings. Adorning her neck is a stunning Kundan choker. The heavy gold necklace adorned by the bride is the exquisite Chandan Haar. The Mangalsutra (marital necklace) that the groom puts on the bride’s neck during wedding rituals is usually a chain interspersed with gold and black beads and a diamond pendant.

A large studded nose ring and chain known as the Nathni graces her left nostril. (This chain is tied to the hair.) Adorning her forearms are multiple jewel encrusted Kundan bangles, Patla (chunky bracelets), and the choodla (bridal red and white bangles). Her upper arms are bejewelled with Bajubandh armlets. Multiple finger rings, anklets, toe rings, and a beautiful waistband known as the Kandora accentuates her waist and complete her bridal look.

Behold the Gorgeous Gujarati Hindu Bride doll…she sublimely captures the essence of vivacious Gujarati culture.