Jhoomar: Beyond The Wedding, A Style Statement

The jhoomar is a traditional fan-shaped accessory worn on the side of the head, often with a mang tikka. It is typically worn by brides as part of their wedding attire in India and Pakistan, but it is not limited to bridal wear. The jhoomar has been revamped to suit brides and wedding guests alike and can be worn in a variety of ways, such as an oversized tikka, a hair bun accessory, or in the traditional manner. When wearing a jhoomar, it is recommended to keep other accessories to a minimum and to refrain from adding volume to the hair to avoid a crowded or flattened look. While jhoomars are commonly worn at weddings, they can also be worn to other festive occasions, such as Eid or Diwali parties, wedding receptions, or sangeet and mehendi events.

Jhoomar with other accessories

Jhoomar is a staple accessory for Indian and Pakistani brides. This Mughal jewellery piece has crossed religious boundaries and become a cultural piece.

• Avoid wearing a large maang tika with a big jhoomar as this can look overloaded and spoil the beauty of both pieces. Instead, opt for a small maang tika with a large jhoomar to balance the look.
• When wearing a jhoomar, avoid wearing too many other accessories as this can take attention away from your outfit.
• If your jhoomar has emeralds, pair it with baby's breath flowers in your hair. If it has rubies, opt for roses.
• For a simple yet elegant look, wear a small maang tika and a big jhoomar. This will make the jhoomar the focal point of your look.
• If you want to add some colour to your outfit, consider wearing a jhoomar as a brooch in the middle of your anarkali or the crop top of your lehenga. Look for a colourful, intricate design for added interest.
• For a symmetrical look, pair your jhoomar with a matching maang tika.
• For a modern twist, wear your jhoomar backwards and pin it up like a Juda pin into your bun.
• If you want to experiment with your jhoomar, try a gold design instead of the usual pearls or precious stones.
• For a coordinated look, match your passa jhoomar with your necklace.
• For a unique and innovative look, wear a long jhoomar like a headband.
• If you're looking for something a little different, opt for vintage-looking jhoomar with multiple stones and a neat design.

Jhoomar at non-wedding events

Jhoomar is a traditional fan-shaped accessory worn on the head's left or right side, often with a mang tikka. Although it is typically worn by brides as part of their wedding attire, it can also be worn to non-wedding events.

If you are not the bride, it is recommended that you let the jhoomar be your only head accessory and keep other accessories to a minimum. Additionally, it is suggested that you refrain from pairing it with a mang tikka and opt for a light earring with no neckpiece. Jhoomar works well with ethnic outfits that have a vintage or old-world charm. Both side-parted and middle-parted hair complement the jhoomar, but it is important to avoid adding too much volume to the hair as the jhoomar may flatten it.

• A gurudwara wedding or nikkah, where you will be wearing a dupatta on your head. The jhoomar peeking out from under the dupatta will give a royal look.
• Eid or Diwali parties.
• Wedding receptions of close friends or family.
• Sangeet or mehendi events when your relatives or siblings are getting married.

Jhoomar with dupatta

The jhoomar, a staple for Indian and Pakistani brides, has become a versatile cultural piece that can be worn in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and ideas for styling a jhoomar with a dupatta:

Keep it Simple:

If you're wearing a jhoomar, let it be the star of the show. Opt for a simple, minimalistic look like Deepika in "Bajirao Mastani." A tiny maang tika with a huge jhoomar will also balance the look.

Pair with Flowers:

Add flowers to your hair to complement your jhoomar. If your jhoomar has emeralds, pair it with baby's breath; if it has rubies, opt for roses.

Side Swept Buff Hairstyle:

Try a side-swept buff hairstyle with a dupatta worn from the middle of the head. This style works well with a jhoomar and can be swept to one side.

Back Combed Hair:

For a large jhoomar, try neatly backcombed hair finished with a knot. This style will showcase your jhoomar.

Vintage Charm:

Look for vintage-style jhoomars with multiple stones and a neat design to add a bit of old-school charm to your look.

Customise Your Dupatta:

Customise your dupatta to complement your jhoomar. For example, the Mahenur luxury formal jhoomar set features a net dupatta with a heavily adorned border and heavier embellishment on the pallu, with large scallops.

Colour Coordination:

Colour-coordinate your jhoomar and dupatta. For instance, the Aghanoor Bridal black jhoomar is crafted on a black canvas (pure raw silk kameez) and styled with a matching dupatta.

Remember, when styling a jhoomar with a dupatta, the key is to strike a balance and ensure that your jhoomar remains the focal point of your look.

Jhoomar for non-brides

Jhoomar is a traditional fan-shaped accessory worn on the head's left or right side, often with a mang tikka. Although it is typically worn by brides as part of their wedding attire, it has evolved into a cultural piece that can be worn by non-brides as well. Here are some tips for non-brides to wear a jhoomar elegantly:

• Occasions: Wear a jhoomar to a gurudwara wedding, nikkah, or a wedding reception. It can also be a great accessory for Eid or Diwali parties.
• Styling: When wearing a jhoomar, it is best to keep the rest of your accessories minimal. Opt for small earrings and no neckpiece. Additionally, avoid pairing a jhoomar with a mang tikka, as this combination is typically reserved for brides.
• Outfit: Jhoomar goes well with ethnic outfits that have a vintage or old-world charm. It can also complement a dupatta, especially when worn on the head, creating a royal look as the jhoomar peeks out from underneath.
• Hairstyles: Both side-parted and middle-parted hairstyles work well with a jhoomar. However, refrain from adding too much volume to your hair, as the jhoomar may flatten it and ruin your look.
• Hair Accessories: If you want to wear a maang tika with your jhoomar, opt for a small one to balance the look. Avoid wearing a large maang tika with a large jhoomar, as it can make you look overloaded and spoil the beauty of both pieces.
• Experimentation: Jhoomar is a versatile accessory that can be worn in various ways. You can wear it like an oversized tikka, put it in your hair bun or braid as a hair accessory, or wear it on the left side of your head in the traditional jhoomar style.

Jhoomar for men

Jhoomar, also known as Passa, is a type of jewellery that originated in the Indian subcontinent and is popular among brides in India and Pakistan. It is a versatile piece that can be styled in various ways to enhance a bridal outfit. While traditionally associated with women, there is a growing trend of men styling Jhoomars as well, adding a contemporary touch to their attire.

For men, Jhoomars can be worn with modern designs on turbans. Minimalistic Jhoomar designs can also be converted into a Kalgi, a type of ornamental plume worn on turbans, offering a dual advantage. This approach allows men to incorporate the traditional Jhoomar into their wardrobe while adapting it to their personal style and the occasion.

When styling a Jhoomar, it is essential to avoid overloading the outfit with too many accessories. A simple, minimalistic approach can often be more elegant and allow the Jhoomar to stand out. Additionally, the size of the Jhoomar should be considered in relation to other accessories. For instance, pairing a large Jhoomar with a small maang tika can create a balanced and harmonious look.

Jhoomars for men can be found in various designs, including those with pearls, precious stones, or gold accents. Some Jhoomars are designed to be worn as headpieces, while others can be incorporated into the turban itself. The choice of design and styling method depends on personal preference and the overall aesthetic one wishes to achieve.

In conclusion, Jhoomar is not just a piece of jewellery but also a cultural element that transcends religious boundaries in the Indian subcontinent. By adapting and incorporating it into their wardrobe, men can participate in this cultural tradition and express their personal style. With its versatility and growing popularity, the Jhoomar is sure to continue evolving and captivating people for years to come.

Frequently asked questions