The reason behind the eternal beauty of an Indian Bride is the “Solah Shringar” or we call it as the 16 rituals that include sixteen steps that a woman takes to beautify herself starting right from the head to toe. There is something magical in these 16 adornments that after getting ready with the Solah Shringar, every lady in the bridal outfit looks the most gorgeous irrespective of her looks and figure, there is some inner glow that reflects on her face and body that she shines with pride and honor.
During this premarital ceremony, basically we are celebrating the essence of the beauty of an Indian woman by observing the reflection of goddess Lakshmi, aka the goddess of prosperity, fertility, and beauty of Hinduism in the future bride as she carries herself like a strong and independent woman.
In addition to weddings, the Solah Shringar ceremony is also performed on several important religious occasions to make a woman remind of her beauty.
With the introduction of high-status salons and makeover studios, the actual meaning and importance of Solah Shringar have been disappeared and people have customized the rituals according to their convenience, but there are some people out there who are actually concerned about the perseverance of such tradition and culture in India.
Before applying custom jewelry, the bride’s hair must be properly oiled and then washed with a mixture of reetha, water, and milk. After that, her hairs are dried and tied into a beautiful hairstyle, most probably a bun to hold the dupatta of her lehenga. Post that, a paste of milk, turmeric and sandalwood are applied over the body of the bride for a magical glow and skin brightening and once it is washed off, the bride gets ready to start off with Solah Shringar.
The following adornments are a part of the ultimate Solah Shringar:
- Bindi
- Vermilion or Sindoor
- Maang Tika
- Kajal or Anjana
- Nose Ring or Nath
- Necklace
- Earrings or Karnphool
- Mehandi
- Arm Band or Bajubandh
- Bangles or Kangan
- Aarsi or Hathphool
- Kamarbandh or Waist Accessory
- Payal or Anklets
- Toe Rings or Bichhua
- Perfumes
- Hair Accessory or Keshapasharachana
Along with the bridal outfit, these Solah Shringar complements very well and brings out the most beautiful bride ever seen.
