The cultural relevance of toe-rings in India

Bichhua toe ring

Bichhuaa may be called by different names across India but most cultures here, from Punjab to Kerala and Maharashtra to West Bengal and far northeast, uphold it as a married women's special accounterment. They wear a pair of it, each on the second toe of their feet. Why two? One as a sister and the other one, as a wife. As it is believed that post husband's death, it is the brother who protects women. Hence, it is worn in pairs. Upon husband's death, one of the toe-rings is removed.

Bichhua also has a mythological significance. As per the great epic Ramayana, when Ravana had abducted Mata Sita and was taking her Lanka, on the way, she threw her toe-ring for Lord Rama to know the direction in which she has been taken. Here, it would not be wrong to acknowledge the role of this dainty jewel in saving Mata Sita.

That's not all. There are scientific and ayurvedic reasons too. While a toe-ring is known to have a sexual/ erotic effect on the wearer, it treats the gynaecological problems, regularises menstrual cycle and improves the reproductive system. Since the nerve passing through the second toe is connected to the heart as well as the uterus and is constantly massaged by the wearer's movements, it helps augment fertility and brightens the chance of conceiving. 

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.     

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