Aatheru – a Mangalsutra equivalent of Kashmiri Pandits
Recenlty, I happened to meet a Kashmiri woman. She had worn a pair of elaborate earrings that is not a common sight in cities. At first glance, I caught on that it is a traditional design and thus, I could not hold back my curiosity to know more about it. On asking, the lady excitedly spoke about it. Apparently, she was happy to know that I took interest in her tradition . As per what she shared, the pair of earrings is called Aatheru which is also a mangalsutra equivalent of Kashmiri Pandit women. Comprising of three elements - the Dejhoor, the Athoor and the Atah , this ear ornament is given to the bride at the time of her wedding by both, parents and in-laws, for a happy union. Note that, in Kashmir, the wedding ceremony is called Lagan and one day before the Lagan, the Devgoan ceremony is performed to invite the Gods to bless the bride. During this ceremony, the bride’s mother presents her the Dejhoor . Since by belief, the Kashmiri Pandits are ...