A guide to the traditional wedding adornments of North Indian brides

In India, every bride has a story of her own, and in the North, her story is often written in gold, diamonds, and devotion. The bridal jewellery traditions of North India are as diverse as the landscape itself: regal yet heartfelt, bold yet deeply meaningful. Each region has its own signature pieces passed down through generations, and they carry not just beauty, but also meaning and blessings.

In North India, jewellery is not merely an accessory. It is a language of identity and culture. A Punjabi bride’s chooda sings of love and new beginnings while a Kashmiri bride’s headpiece tells stories of ancient artistry.

Here's a look at the most treasured jewellery traditions of North India, each laced with legacy and love.

Punjab: Of choodas, kaleere, and pure celebration

In Punjab, a bride’s jewellery is as lively as the wedding itself: vibrant, meaningful, and full of heart. The chooda, a set of red and ivory bangles, is one of the most recognisable symbols of a Punjabi or a Sikh wedding. It is gifted to the bride by her maternal uncle and aunt, and worn as a mark of her newlywed status.

Tied to the chooda are the kaleere—gold or silver danglers and motifs that symbolise prosperity and joy. Tradition says that if one of the kaleera falls on a bridesmaid, she will be the next one in line to marry!

Alongside these, some Punjabi brides also wear a passa (side head ornament). The look is festive and regal, perfectly matching the grandeur of a big, fat North Indian wedding.

Uttar Pradesh: Grace in gold and grandeur

Uttar Pradesh brides blend timeless tradition with subtle elegance. Here, kundan and jadau jewellery take centre stage: handcrafted pieces encrusted with gemstones and gold that shimmers with old-world charm.

The bridal look often includes a maang tikka, matha patti, nath, rani haar, bajubandh (armlet), and haath phool (hand harness). Each ornament corresponds to the ancient concept of 'solah shringar', or sixteen adornments that complete a bride’s beauty.

For weddings in the bustling cities of Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur, you’ll often see brides mixing antique heirlooms with modern designs—diamond chokers layered over kundan sets, or uncut stone earrings paired with silk lehengas. It is a look that feels royal yet is still personal and classy.

Bihar: Where jewellery meets meaning

In Bihar, gold jewellery holds immense emotional and cultural value. A Bihari bride’s trousseau often includes heavy gold necklaces, jhumkas, chhura (traditional red bangles), nathni (large nose ring), and tikli (forehead ornament).

The paunje (anklets) and bichiyas (toe rings) are also significant, symbolising marital commitment and prosperity. What makes Bihari bridal adornments unique is their focus on family legacy, as many pieces are heirlooms passed down from mothers and grandmothers, carrying stories of generations before.

Haryana: Bold, beautiful, and steeped in tradition

Haryanvi bridal jewellery is all about statement and charm. Here, brides often wear borlas (Rajasthani-style spherical maang tikkas), kamarbandhs, bichuas, and thick gold bangles that gleam with cultural pride.

In many parts of rural Haryana, silver jewellery is also worn alongside gold—chunky anklets and chandbalis that reflect the rustic-meets-regal aesthetic of the state. Each piece has symbolic value, whether it’s protection, prosperity, or the mark of womanhood.

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand: Jewels of the hills

In the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, jewellery is a mirror of nature and community. Brides here often wear striking silver and gold ornaments that are unique to their regions.

In Himachal, the chandrahara (moon necklace), tikka, chandbalis, and naths are quintessential bridal pieces. Each is handcrafted with detailed motifs, sometimes embellished with coral, turquoise, or glass beads.

In Uttarakhand, the star piece is the Pahadi nath—a large, round nose ring that’s both a fashion statement and a symbol of pride. Passed down through families, it represents heritage, marital joy, and beauty.

Jammu and Kashmir: The elegance of tradition and artistry

Kashmiri bridal jewellery stands out for its understated grace and intricate detailing. The most iconic adornment is the dejhor—a pair of long gold pendants that hang from the ears, symbolising a married woman. Traditionally, they are gifted by the bride’s parents and worn daily after marriage.

Another classic piece is the athoor or head ornament, which sits gracefully across the forehead, often paired with delicate kundan or polki necklaces. Kashmiri brides often prefer pearls and gold over heavy gemstones, lending their look a soft, regal glow.

The glow of North Indian adornments

Across the North, from Punjab’s joyful kaleere to Kashmir’s graceful dejhor, bridal jewellery continues to shine as more than decoration. It is identity, emotion, and memory all rolled into one.

Even as modern brides choose lighter sets or trendier styles, these traditions endure because they speak of something deeper: a connection to roots, to family, to self. In every piece lies a story that never fades—one that turns a wedding day into a celebration of heritage, heart, and forever.

Lead image: Katrina Kaif/Instagram

Inside images: Sonam Kapoor/Instagram, @sarya12/Instagram, @glamfacesbyria/Instagram, @makeupartistharleenkaur/Instagram, @yamigautam/Instagram, @kajalaggarwalofficial/Instagram

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