If you were to ask for a diamond-studded mangalsutra some 20 years ago, you would have received a blank look from the jeweller. These days, however, you can choose from a range of fancy chains decked up with jewels and whatever you want.
The all-important mangalsutra, or tali, comes in many varieties depending on regional and regional differences. There are subtle differences in the make of talis in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. If tali was a simple affair earlier, the symbol of marriage is getting heavier and heavier these days.
Tali was originally worn on a string. The bridegroom was supposed to tie the thread with the triangular pendant around the bride’s neck. That explains the colloquial Malayalam term ‘thalikettu’ that denoted the marital ritual. Nowadays, most people carry the tali in a gold chain.
People from the Konkan region wear precious stones along with the tali. They consider tali as the goddess Saraswati.
Irrespective of the nuances talis are usually shaped like a banyan leaf. The snapping of the tali is considered a bad omen enough to give sleepless nights to the women wearing it. Most of them would not get over the “accident” even if the pendant was snapped because of wear and tear.
There is nothing wrong in welding the links and wearing the same tali again. You could ask your husband to put it on you if you want some kind of reassurance.
Diamonds are usually considered auspicious for married life. If your horoscope suggests that diamonds are beneficial to you, you could wear a diamond along with the tali.
Tali has become so much of a fashion statement that people these days buy more than one tali!
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