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Shreya Rawat on her collection of jewelry and sarees

“In my family, both immediate and extended, the women have a unique tradition of cherishing and collecting two particular items: jewelries and saris.

Every piece in their collection holds a special significance, as each one is accompanied by a captivating story.”


(Right: A picture of Shreya’s mother, Shanti Rawat.)

In my Garhwali tradition, the haldi ceremony is where all women adorn themselves with Nath (a large nose-ring) and Gulobandh (a traditional choker).


In my family, both immediate and extended, the women have a unique tradition of cherishing and collecting two particular items: jewelries and saris. Every piece in their collection holds a special significance, as each one is accompanied by a captivating story.


These stories recount the origin of the item, the purpose for which it was given, and other fascinating details. Moreover, the bond among the women in my family goes beyond mere collection. They often borrow from one another's assortments, combining various saris with new blouses and accessories to create distinctive and personalized ensembles.


(Left: Bhawna Rawat during her Haldi ceremony.)

Having attended numerous weddings while growing up, I have been witnessing this custom and hearing the enchanting stories behind these. Each Nath and Gulobandh is a unique piece, made with intricate designs and passed down through generations. They are typically gifted by the bride's mother, mother-in-law, or maternal uncle on her wedding day.


While usually worn by married women, I have distinct memories of being fascinated by the beauty of these accessories and occasionally borrowing them for a photo. These moments allowed me to capture the essence of the stories shared by the women of our community and create lasting memories.

I was not really interested in getting these for their cultural importance, but since I genuinely find them fashionable and quirky, I participated enthusiastically in observing the exchanges around them.


(Left: Bhawna Rawat and Mukesh Rawat.)