Kalira / Bridal Bangle Attachments of Punjab

Kalira or Kalire are an essential part of the Punjabi bridal attire. It is believed that the Kalira was originally made up of dried coconut, fox nuts, etc for the bride to eat on her way to the groom’s house. Today the Kalira is embellished of gold and silver, with bell shaped ornaments with silver or gold plated leaves and flowers, and beads.

The ornament is a token of good luck and prosperity bestowed on the bride by her family. It is tied to the bride’s bangles or Chudiyan and has a separate ceremony called the chuda ceremony attached to it. The ceremony involves the bride shaking the Kalira on the bridesmaids- sisters, cousin’s, close friends. Whoever the Kalira drops on is supposed to be next in line for marriage.