Nose Rings and Studs of India - Region wise

Nose Rings of India

In India, depending on the region and ethnicity of the women, nose piercing is done on the right, left, or even both sides of the nose. Traditionally, the Indian women wear either “phul” (nose studs) or "nath" (nose rings).

Telugu and Tamilian are the only linguistic groups who wear nose studs on right side and rest of India wears on left. Tamilians even wear on the both sides.

In Southern India Kannnadigas, Tuluvas, Badagas wear the nose studs on left and Malayalis and Kodavas doesn't have custom of nose studs or rings.

In Northern, western and Eastern India Nose rings are common and again in North eastern India nose piercing culture is not there. 

The nose stud or the nose ring has been an essential and integral part of the Indian culture and religion. The religious practice is an age-old tradition that heads back centuries and has significance even today. In the Hindu religion, wearing a Nath is not restricted. Nose rings are positively associated with the Hindu religion itself as they are worn by Hindu women more than by women of any other faith in India. The religion is a non-theistic faith that draws people who see tattoos, piercings and other physical alterations as ways of experiencing the divine.

Many girls at an early age, are mandated to get a nose piercing to sought and maintain their cultural identity by respecting and implementing traditions of the women before them 

Usually a young woman in a Hindu family would get a nose pierce upon her physical maturity as an indication that she is now eligible for marriage. It is also a way in which the elders of the household bestow worldly goods, including other pieces of jewellery, on the young girl as their daughters are the Laxmi (Goddess of Prosperity) and the lights of the homes.

Therefore, it’s not only limited to married women as in the case of a Mangal sutra. Although, many Indian women, particularly Hindus, have their noses pierced at an early age around the age of 12, which was traditionally the marriageable age. Piercings in India, including nose piercings, are one-way Hindus honour Parvathi, the goddess of marriage.

Nose piercing in Hindu tradition is not only for a fashion statement, but it also signifies more than that. It shows and pays respect for their culture, religion and ancestral practices.

Tehri Nath / Nathuli of Garhwali, Kumauni and Himachali:

Nathuli is the traditional nose ring of Uttarakhand. It is basically native to the Tehri district of Garwhal and is celebrated for its great artistic value. The big gold ring is decorated with multiple precious rubies and pearls. The size and weight of the ring as well as the number of pearls in it can vary widely, which actually signifies the status of the family of the woman wearing it. Nathuli is considered auspicious and a cherished possession of married women in that region.

Maharashtrian Nath / Guchhedar Nath:

We have seen our B-town divas many times to sport this exclusive guchhedar nath in order to complement their authentic Maharashtrian looks. Needless to say, it is the signature jewelry of the state and one of the most eminent Indian styles you can opt for. From the large cashew nut shape to the pearls, stones and beads embedded in it, each and everything contributes to its unique beauty.

Punjabi Nath :

When it comes to the most popular Indian bridal nose rings, Punjabi nath always tops the chart. The elegance and charm of the huge golden ring as well as the chain connecting it to the hair will make you fall in love with the ornament easily. The hoop may come in a variety of sizes, motifs and colors. Moreover, it is adorned with small dazzling pendants that go even all along the connecting chain

 Nathni:

Nathni is basically a lighter version of the sparkling shikarpuri nath and it is mainly popular among the women of western India, in particular Rajasthan and Gujarat. It also consists of a big golden hoop and a long delicate chain connected with it. But, the presence of pendants or gemstones in a nathni is rare.

Nathuri - Rajasthani / Gujarati :

While nathni is considered as a glorious choice for Rajasthani brides, women in that state are also found to wear another kind of nose ring called ‘nathuri’ as an everyday jewelry. The tiny ornament is made of gold or silver and embellished with a single or 2 to 3 precious or semi-precious gemstones. The design is quite simple and graceful.

Laung:

Laung is a cute petite nose stud, which has immense popularity across the whole northern region of India. The name of the jewlery has come from its shape, which resembles the common aromatic spice clove. It is mainly made of gold, while a pearl or any other precious or semi-precious gemstone is embedded in it.

Latkan : UP and MP Region

This is another distinctive nose ring concept in which the chain connecting the nose stud or pin with the hair gets more priority. It is completely a North Indian choice. The whole set of latkan comprises of a simple metallic nose pin or stud with no significant adornment and a pretty ornamental connecting chain almost identical with a charm bracelet.

Bulaq / Bullaq :

Bulaq or bullaq is a bridal nose ring style followed by women in North India. It is absolutely different from regular naths that are worn on the nostrils. Rather, it needs to be put on the central lower section of the septum or partition of our nose. The ring comes in a small pendant form of various shapes and generally, does not contain any external embellishment.

Muggutti : 

Unlike north Indian women, the women in the southern part of India prefer simplicity over vivacity when it comes to nose rings. In Karnataka, the traditional nath is named as ‘mukuthi’ or ‘mukkhutti’, which is basically a tiny light-weight nose pin designed like a lotus or swan. It is usually studded with topaz or diamond. South Indian brides are sometimes even found to wear double nose studs on both nostrils too.

Pullaku :

Pullaku is the southern version of bulaq or bullaq, which is quite common in Tamil Nadu. It is also a central nose ring that suspends freely from the division of the nose i.e. septum. However, it can also be worn along with the mukuthi, which completes the authentic South Indian bridal look.

Palakka :

Palakka jewelry is regarded as a time-honored style by women of  South India . The nose studs belonging to the palakka pattern look bright and gorgeous with beautiful red stones and precise enamel designs. It is sure to give you a chic, versatile appearance all the time

Piercing nose and adorning it with a gleaming pin, stud or ring is not only an age-old tradition in India. Rather, it has immense significance in the lifestyle of a woman. And these days, it has even become a true fashion statement. The shapes, sizes, patterns, motifs and materials of naths or nose rings vary widely based on the cultural demands of various regions of the country.

Other parts of India :

Odisha

                                                                       Kutch