Kaleeras, the long gold ornaments hanging off a bride’s wrists, are a common sight in north Indian weddings. But if you knew the story of the kaleera tradition, would you wear them?
Why do brides wear kaleeras?
The bride’s sisters and friends tie kaleeras on her wrist for blessings. After the wedding, she drops them over the bridesmaids' heads; whoever gets one may marry next.
The origin of kaleeras
Earlier, Kaleeras were made with coconuts, fox nuts and other eatables for the bride. These snacks were meant to help if she got hungry while travelling to her husband's home and was too shy to say anything.
How are kaleeras relevant today?
A regressive practice of brides being expected to stay quiet when hungry has now become a fun tradition. Modern kaleera designs still show the origins — half coconuts on top and smaller beads for fox nuts.