Kaliras (or kalires) are ornamental jewelry worn on the wrists of Punjabi brides. They hang like beautiful chandeliers and come in a range of colors to match any outfit. They are enchanting and make any bride even more gorgeous.
Kalires are worn as a reminder of the bride’s friends and past, that she will be leaving behind. The little umbrella shapes, represent prosperity and plenty for the bride in her new home.
Kalires can me made of any material, metal, coconuts, shells, beads. Traditionally, they are hand made by the bride’s female family and close friends, like the one below.
Kaliras can also come in metal, which is usually gold colored. They are at least three “umbrellas” high, and can be many more tiers.
Brides will shake her kalires over the head of an unmarried female. If any piece falls off onto the friend’s head, she will be married (or find someone next). Think of the bouquet toss, without losing the bouquet!
via Sumisha & Aman’s Mumbai Sikh Wedding
We’ve collected a few of our favorite kalira photos of Indian brides. You can see variety and styles they come in. And with them being so popular today, any Indian bride can wear them.
photo by Irfan Ahson Photography
photo by Lin & Jirsa Photography
via Kerry & Jason’s Peach Peacock Sikh Wedding by Gucio Photography
via personal shopper Rani by Mahajan
via Chhavi & Saurabh’s dreamy night wedding by Rahul Rana Photography
via Venu & Alok’s San Francisco fairytale wedding by IQPhoto Studio
via Tanya & Saurabh’s Summer Sikh Wedding by Victoria Johansson Photography
And last but not least…
via Aekta & Nitin’s wedding
The vidai with the kalira and rice flying in the air is so dramatic and beautiful.
Kaliras are a significant part of a Punjabi bride’s solah shringar (wedding adornments). They are beautiful and special and will make any bride feel like a maharani.
<3 the pink ones! thanks for the collection.