The tradition of solah shringar goes back centuries in Indian culture, woven through poetry, festivals and wedding rituals across regions. The number sixteen is often linked to the sixteen phases of the moon, and the adornments together are meant to celebrate beauty, prosperity and new beginnings. While every region of India has its own variation of the list, the version below is the one most commonly told.
Bindi बिंदी
The dot worn on the forehead between the brows — traditionally red kumkum, today everything from velvet stickers to crystal designs. It marks the ajna, the seat of wisdom, and is often the very first touch of shringar.
Sindoor सिंदूर
The vermilion powder applied along the parting of the hair — the classic mark of a married woman in many Indian communities, applied for the first time during the wedding ceremony itself.
Maang Tikka मांग टीका
A pendant that rests on the forehead from a chain along the hair parting. It sits over the ajna and beautifully frames the face — one of the most-loved bridal pieces. See our maang tikkas →
Kajal काजल
Kohl lining the eyes — believed to ward off the evil eye, and undeniably the oldest beauty trick in the subcontinent. The one shringar that never left anyone's daily routine.
Nath नथ · Nose Ring
The nose ring, from a tiny sparkling stud to the grand bridal nath with a chain sweeping to the hair. Regional styles vary wildly — Maharashtrian, Rajasthani, Garhwali — each iconic in its own right. See our naths & nose pins →
Karn Phool कर्णफूल · Earrings
Literally “ear flowers” — earrings. Jhumkas, chandbalis, studs and danglers all descend from this shringar. If you only ever wear one piece of jewellery, it's probably this one. See our earrings →
Haar हार · Necklace
The necklace — from the fitted choker to the long raani haar, and the mangalsutra worn after marriage. The centrepiece of a bridal look and of most festive ones too. See our necklace sets →
Baajuband बाजूबंद · Armlet
An ornament clasped on the upper arm. Once everyday wear for royalty, today it makes a striking comeback at weddings and with sleeveless blouses.
Mehendi मेहंदी · Henna
Intricate henna patterns on the hands and feet, applied at its own dedicated pre-wedding ceremony. The deeper the colour, the deeper the love — or so every aunty will tell you.
Choodiyan चूड़ियां · Bangles
Bangles — glass, lac, metal or stone-studded — whose sound is considered auspicious. Worn stacked in colours that speak: red for new beginnings, green for prosperity. See our bangles & kadas →
Anguthiyan अंगूठियां · Rings
Rings for the fingers — including the aarsi, a traditional thumb ring set with a tiny mirror, in which a veiled bride could steal a first glance at her groom. See our rings →
Kamarband कमरबंद · Waist Chain
The waist ornament, worn over a saree or lehenga. Practical once (it held keys — the symbol of running the household) and simply gorgeous now.
Payal पायल · Anklets
Anklets with tiny ghungroo bells that announce every step with music. Traditionally silver-toned — precious metals were rarely worn on the feet. See our payals & anklets →
Bichhiya बिछिया · Toe Rings
Rings worn on the second toe, usually in pairs — a subtle, beautiful marker of marriage in many communities, slipped on during the wedding rituals themselves.
Keshapasharachana केश-रचना · Hair Adornment
The dressing of the hair — braids and buns woven with fresh gajra (jasmine strings), juda pins and hair chains. The fragrance is half the ornament. See our hair accessories →
Itar इत्र · Fragrance
Traditional perfume oil — the invisible sixteenth shringar. Some regional lists name the bridal outfit or ubtan (turmeric glow ritual) here instead; the count stays sixteen, the spirit stays the same.
Solah shringar, the everyday way
You don't need a wedding to borrow from this list. A bindi with a kurta, jhumkas with jeans, a payal under palazzos, one stack of bangles on a festival morning — every piece of the sixteen has a modern, everyday avatar. That idea is exactly why our brand is called Solah Singar: tradition's full wardrobe, open every day.
And because all of it is imitation jewellery, you can collect the whole sixteen without touching a gold price chart.