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Typically made of gold, silver, pearls, beads or even flowers, modern brides often customize them to match their style and wedding theme.
This trend enhances sustainability, practicality, and personal significance in bridal wear.
‘North Indian weddings are incomplete without kaleerein, traditional bridal ornaments that hang from a bride’s bangles. Typically made of gold, silver, pearls, beads or even flowers, modern brides often customise them to match their style and wedding theme.
But did you know these kaleerein were once a bride’s secret lunchbox? A viral Instagram video recently highlighted that in the old days, when a bride travelled to her in-laws’ house in a doli, there were no dhabas or fast-food joints along the way.
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At the same time, new brides were often too shy to admit they were hungry. Mothers, understanding this, would fill the kaleerein with coconuts, fox nuts (makhana) and dry fruits as they won’t get spoiled on the long journey. Each bite served as a blessing for a new life, ensuring the daughter never falls short of anything.
As times changed, kaleerein evolved. People began using gold, silver, pearls, flowers and even toffee or chocolates, turning the tradition into a decorative display. “But remember the real story, a mother’s love and a society where a girl didn’t even express her hunger,” read the post.
These were most popular in the hills and plains of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, where brides faced long journeys, often without friends nearby. Their kaleerein held dried bits of coconut, makhana and other long-lasting snacks, tucked safely into these wrist ornaments.
“That way she could quietly pluck out food when hungry, without breaking the gentle shyness of a bride in her new home,” read the caption.
“These weren’t just practical. Each tiny bite said, “I am blessed, I am protected.” The shape of the coconut and snacks influenced today’s kaleerein designs, the little coconut halves and beads hinting at the originals,” the post further read.
However, with time, the meaning changed and the tradition blossomed. In modern weddings, kaleerein are no longer snacks; they are symbols of joy, blessings, abundance and sisterhood. These glittering tassels sway with laughter, memories and promises.
They began as a bride’s quiet survival kit and have grown into a radiant emblem of cultural heritage.
About the Author
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
Delhi, India, India
September 11, 2025, 06:00 IST
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