CULTURE IN FOCUS: GOAN JEWELLERY AND OUTFITS

Goa is incredibly famous for its watersports, wondrous Carnival parade, forts and churches of old Goa, seafood, pleasant and festive atmosphere. But surprisingly Goan jewellery and traditional outfits are much more famous than all these mentioned things. The smallest state of India has the largest and unique variety of gold jewellery. The colours. the designs of Goan jewellery and traditional dress of Goa are wondrous.

Here, we bring an amalgamation of the best women’s jewellery styles and outfits from Goa that will make you look like one of the most beautiful women in the world.

BAJUBANDH: ARM ORNAMENT

Bajubandh is a beautiful ornament worn on the arm and generally made in gold. It is decorated in a variety of ways either by Kundan, or Meenakari. The designs include floral motifs and nature-inspired motifs of a peacock. The designs vary from heavily embellished ones to simple chain designs. The designs of Bajubandh represent the Goan cultures through forest deities embellishments.

Goan Bangles

Goan bangles come in a large variety and are loved all around the globe.

• COIN BANGLES- These are light-weight and beautiful Goan kadas. They are made by cutting through the gold and have unique designs. They are decorated using gold coins which have Goan forest deities embellished over the coins.

• PIDDUKACHNI KAKNA- These bangles are traditional Goan jewellery that is mostly worn by married women. They come in a variety of styles and designs. Diamond studded, pearl studded, or studded with coloured beads. The most famous design in these bangles comes with golden and black beads.

• PICHODI- Pichodis are crown bangles famous among Goan jewellery. They have a unique design that resembles a crown. They are decorated using diamonds, beads or pearls and look beautiful.

• GOAN KADAS- Goan kadas come in a large variety but the three famous designs are 'tode', 'goth' and 'patli'. These kadas are made in gold and can be worn on festivals and special occasions and functions. 'Patlis' are kadas which have an intricate embedded design, 'Goths' are thin gold bangles with bead decoration and 'Todes' are thick bangles with unique designs.

TRADITIONAL GOAN JEWELLERY: EAR ORNAMENTS

• VED-These are traditional and minimal stud earrings decorated with gemstones or diamonds

• BALI-these are heavy gold earrings with traditional and intricate designing.

• KAAN-These are traditional ear cuffs worn by brides on wedding and wedding ceremonies. They are made with Kundan and pearl settings and come in a variety of designs and styles.

• VEL-These are long earrings and are light-weight. They are made in gold and have a unique and minimal designing.

• PAKE- Pake is traditional Goan ear cuffs which usually come in floral designs and motifs of pearls. They have a mesh design made with coloured beads and pearls.

Traditional Goan Nath

Traditional Goan Nath is made with pearls along with gemstones set in between. gemstones can be rubies or emeralds. These are a part of traditional Goan jewellery and are worn on weddings and festivals.

Neck Adornments

• MANGALSUTRA (KAASITHAALI)- Mangalsutra is a symbol of marriage and hence forms a significant part of Goan bridal jewellery. It is usually made of Gold and black beaded chains. It has a beautiful gold pendant adorned with religious deities. Some Mangalsutra designs also have ruby or emerald studded at times.

• GALSIRI- Galsiri is a coin necklace made in gold. The coins are arranged in a gold chain with beads in between. It is heavy neck jewellery that can be worn on weddings and festivals. The coins also have embellishments and decorations making the necklace look beautiful.

• CORAL MALA NECKLACE- As the name suggests it is traditional Goan jewellery made with coral beads along with a gold pendant.

• LAXMI HAAR- this is a traditional gold necklace made with small gold coins attached strung together along with coloured beads.

Goan Anklets And Toe Rings

Gold and silver anklets and gold and silver toe rings are famous among traditional Goan jewellery. They come in a variety of designs and styles.

Goan jewellery only looks the best when it is worn along with the traditional dress of Goa. 'Pano Bhaju' is the traditional saree and when this outfit is combined with traditional Goan jewellery it looks the best!

We are sure that all these traditional jewellery styles must have made you love the Goan culture hence next time when you plan a holiday to Goa don not forget to buy these exceptionally beautiful jewellery pieces.