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JEWELLERY STYLING IDEAS, STYLE GUIDE

What Jewellery to Wear at a Kumaoni or Garhwali Wedding — A Style Guide

05 May 2025
What Jewellery to Wear at a Kumaoni or Garhwali Wedding — A Style Guide

Weddings of Uttarakhand are a magnificent mix of spiritual, traditional, and celebrative experiences. Whether it’s a Kumaoni wedding or a Garhwali wedding, jewellery is an essential detail that sets beauty to the bride on a higher level as she heeds cultural customs. We at Battulaal Prayag Narayan Jewellers know how precious these ornaments are – not only as jewellery but rather as a heritage which is a carry-over from one generation to another.

In order to make every bride look and feel perfect, we have come up with a list of traditional jewellery pieces that are worn during Kumaoni and Garhwali weddings. Here’s your definitive style guide.

1. Hansuli (Crescent Choker Necklace)

A signature piece in Kumaoni jewellery, the Hansuli is a rigid crescent-shaped choker crafted in gold or silver. It sits gracefully on the collarbone and is famous for its bold but elegant nature. Brides usually combine it with a longer necklace to achieve a layered, royal look.

What Jewellery to Wear at a Kumaoni or Garhwali Wedding — A Style Guide

2. Chareu (Close-Fitting Necklace)

This small necklace, quite frequently decorated with red or green stones, provides a touch of elegance to the bridal look. Chareu is a conventional necklace used by the Kumaoni brides and is normally layered with the longer ones, such as the Galobandh. Our heritage collection comprises unique designs that are vintage with a modern feel.

3. Galobandh (Threaded Necklace)

The Galobandh is a band made of either black or red cloth with attached golden motifs or coins worn around the neck to signify protection and prosperity. It’s one of the most recognized pieces from Kumaoni jewellers like us and is a must-have for brides embracing their roots.

4. Nath (Nose Ring)

An intricate Nath is one of the most conspicuous features of Kumaoni and Garhwali bridal jewellery. The large hoop, which is most frequently inset with pearls or enamel work, sweeps beautifully up over the cheek to represent marital bliss. Brides usually choose their nath from Kumaoni jewellers specializing in accuracy and authenticity.

What Jewellery to Wear at a Kumaoni or Garhwali Wedding — A Style Guide

5. Tilk and Maang Tikka (Forehead Jewellery)

Worn across the forehead, the Tilk and Maang Tikka add celestial grace to a Garhwali bride’s look. These ornaments often have a central pendant design that radiates elegance, perfectly framing the face and enhancing the bridal aura.

6. Chandrama (Moon-Shaped Earrings)

Inspired by the celestial moon, Chandrama earrings are a beloved part of Garhwali jewellery. These half-moon-shaped gold earrings symbolize serenity and are typically worn by brides and close relatives.

7. Kundal (Traditional Earrings)

Heavy, round Kundals are classic earrings that reflect Garhwali tradition. These often ornate pieces are usually designed with filigree or repousse work, crafted to balance visual impact with cultural symbolism.

8. Bichhuwa (Toe Rings)

No Garhwali bridal look is complete without Bichhuwas, which signify marital status and are worn on the second toe. As part of our bridal trousseau sets, our handcrafted bichhuwas blend traditional symbolism with subtle design upgrades for modern comfort.

9. Kangan (Gold Bangles)

Kangans are worn by both Kumaoni and Garhwali brides, often in multiples. These solid gold bangles may be plain or engraved, and they symbolize strength, prosperity, and the blessings of married life. Family members often wear lighter variations to maintain coordinated elegance.

10. Payal (Anklets)

Silver Payals with delicate ghungroos are another bridal essential, especially in hill weddings. They produce a soft, graceful sound with every step and are worn throughout the wedding festivities.

11. Hathphool (Hand Ornaments)

These hand ornaments connect finger rings to a central medallion, which is then attached to a wrist bangle. Hathphool is a beautiful fusion of elegance and tradition and is often passed down from one generation to another.

12. Ring Sets and Thumb Rings

Brides often wear a collection of rings on all fingers, with one larger statement ring that may be gifted during the engagement ceremony. In Garhwali customs, gold thumb rings are sometimes worn to reflect ancestral practices.

Jewellery for the Family & Guests

Modern brides are increasingly blending tradition with personal flair. As one of the best jewellers in India, we provide bespoke bridal sets that allow brides to combine timeless Kumaoni jewellery or Garhwali jewellery with custom elements—whether it’s engraving family initials or choosing gemstone accents.

While the bride dazzles in her traditional finery, female family members often wear lighter versions of Galobandh, Kundals, and Chandramas. Our festive collection is designed to help everyone, from mothers to bridesmaids, look their best while staying true to their roots.

Conclusion

As one of the best jewellers in India, Battulaal Prayag Narayan Jewellers offers an unmatched legacy of trust, craftsmanship, and cultural understanding. Whether you’re seeking authentic Garhwali jewellery, intricate Kumaoni jewellery, or contemporary pieces with a traditional soul, we are proud to walk with you through every step of your wedding journey.

We’re more than jewellers—we’re custodians of heritage. And it’s our honour to bring the timeless beauty of the hills to your most precious moments.

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