A cultural kaleidoscope of Karnataka

Karnataka is the tourism capital of India. From pristine beaches to rolling hills, from art forms to architectural structures and from silk sarees to sandalwood, people from India and overseas come here to soak into its distinct beauty. But what bowls them over is the gold jewellery of Karnataka. Blessed with Kolar mines, the state produces about 80 per cent of India’s gold and this has given way to a stupendous heritage. If you ever get a chance to attend a Kannadiga wedding, don’t miss it. It would be the true spectacle of Karnataka’s traditional designs. The Goddess Lakshmi is the most favoured image engraved on the ornaments and so is the practice of setting in ruby and emerald stones.  

A striking piece of jewellery worn by the brides here is a layered chain called Entele Sara which is strung with gold beads. 

Sitting on the bride’s forehead, Netri Chutti is essentially a mangtikka that is further embellished with coloured stones.      

Like in any other part of India, even a Kannadiga bride cannot resist the temptation to wear jhumkas on her big day. Just that here it goes by a different name - Muthina Vale Jhimki.

Nothing short of a statement necklace, Haram is basically a long mala that embellishes the bride’s neckline.

Apart from Guruvina Kada, Kannada bangle range also includes antique looking Kettu Bale, Pacha Kampina Bale and Kasina Bale.

Pacha Kempina Ungaru is a finger ring studded with ruby and emerald stones.

With mango leaf-patterns in its design, Mavinakayi Addigai is a style of necklace that infuses a traditional charm into the bride’s overall look.

A pious addition to the bridal set, Laxmi Sara is a necklace with a series of coins that have goddess of wealth Goddess Laxmi engraved on them.  

Tholu Bandhi – it’s a traditional armlet that adds the deserved sparkle to the bridal ensemble.

The sacred thread worn by married women in Karnataka is referred as Maangalya-Sutra and is more or less similar in design to the Maharashtrian vaati that can be further embellished with pearls or coloured corals. But the Coorgi community here wears Karthamani Pathak as a mangalsutra equivalent. Essentially a gold coin which is bordered by the cobra motif, Pathak is a pendant whereas Karthamani is a pearl necklace that holds the Pathak and can also be adorned with gold.

Made of silver, Hebbat is a pair of toe rings worn on each of the second toe by married women.  

Author: Deepa Mishra

Disclaimer: All images used in the blog have been sourced from Google purely for the purpose of informative reference. The models, celebrities or products showcased in these pictures are not to promote any brand in any manner.