A batch of culturally-bound expatriate women in Muscat share their love for glass bangles which they bring in from their hometowns to adorn themselves for festive occasions

Muscat – Adjusting their heavily embellished attire and intrinsically styled hair, a group of young women came together to share a common passion… but what held centrestage amid the melee was the clinking of glass bangles adorning many an arm – the cynosure of their chat!

An essential part of bridal trousseau in the Indian sub-continent wherein it is considered a treasured symbol of marital bliss, good health, fortune, and success, glass bangles are also a 21st century ethnic style statement. Ask these damsels residing in Oman, who simply don’t feel complete for any occasion without decking their arms with fanciful bangles, and they cannot stop lauding this cultural icon.

Those who wear these colourful, affordable yet prized, ornaments, say it has a unique power and bearing over their personalities, besides signifying not just their status but also their moods and aspirations. And there are a large number of women in Oman, hailing from the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and Africa who are madly in love with this fashion accessory, a dearth of which does exist in the sultanate.

For Sushmita, the jingle of bangles reminds her of the unending love of her husband, for Imrana, they bring back nostalgic memories of age old traditions, Selvi is reminded of the time of her pregnancy when she was showered with love and affection, and for yet a few others, bangles stand out as a universal symbol of femininity and fertility.

Bangles originated in parts of southern Asia and Africa and over the centuries these ornaments went around the globe to decorate the wrists of women of varied cultures. Romantic poets as well as traders have transported them through ships, planes as well as verses that have transcended all forms of creativity.  Though once a clear sign of a married woman, they are now sported by girls and ladies of all ages and cultures irrespective of their marital status.

Here’s what a few expatriate ladies in Muscat described their eternal love for bangles:

Sushmita Kumari from Hazaribag (Jharkhand, India) said, “Wearing bangles has been part of our history and culture in the state. For different festivals we have different colours – in the present month of Shraavan (monsoon), women sport green bangles symbolising the season of bloom. I have been wearing them even before marriage, but after marriage I wear red bangles, besides the ‘Sakha Pola’ gifted by my in-laws, as a sign of good luck.”

Aarzoo Bhokal from Rajkot (Gujarat, India) added that glass bangles render external and internal beauty for a woman and indicate her marital status. “In my state, it is said that the sound that the glass bangles make bring along a positive energy at home and wards off evil. Some of the best bangles are found in Bangdi Bazar and Charminar (in Hyderabad) while in Oman, I go to Muttrah Souq and Ruwi to buy them.”

Glass bangles are most affordable to women on all rungs of society. Easily found in markets lanes, flea markets, malls and fairs, these jewellery are fashioned in a myriad forms, every single one of which is attractive in its own way.

Manisha Joshi from Jaipur (Rajasthan, India) touched upon the economical aspect saying that glass bangles are cheap all over the world. “Unlike gold bangles or those studded with diamonds and precious stones (which are costly), glass bangles can be worn to complement them. Whenever I am in India, I make sure to go to Firozabad where the best bangles are manufactured. Often, the craftsmen customise the designs to suit specific tastes of buyers.”

Imrana Khan from Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh, India) vouched for bangles from her state as the best available in varied colours and styles. “The more I go around the world, the more I feel attached to my culture in India. The practice of wearing glass bangles is predominantly found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Burma.”

Most young women, like Pooja Nair (Kerela, India), recall being gifted glass bangles by their aunts and grandmothers during hometown visits on vacations – these were sold in street markets on carts. “In South India, glass bangles are often gifted to would be mothers,” she said.

Selvi Reddy from Chennai, (Tamil Nadu India) disclosed, “During the ninth month of one’s pregnancy, women are adorned with gifts, of which colourful bangles stand out as a sign of not just good luck and wellbeing but also blessings from senior family members.

On the flip side, a lot of superstitions are also attached with bangles. Broken bangles are to be discarded soon and replaced with new ones, while some women do not remove all their bangles before first putting on a new set. Also, some believe in purchasing bangles only on some days, considered auspicious in the week. It is also a practice by some to deck themselves with glass bangles for the last time when bidding goodbye to a deceased spouse and then never wearing them again.

While modern women focus on the fashion aspect rather than superstitious beliefs, all agree that a women’s attire is incomplete without an appropriate set of bangles to go with it.

Raha Akther from Bangladesh is of the opinion that bangles always elevate the look of a woman. “I not so much culturally bound but I wear them to beatify myself. In olden days, the sound of the bangles and the payals (anklets) would alert male members in the family of their presence.

Zoha Manzoor from Pakistan added, “I prefer to wear them during festive occasions like Eid or weddings. It’s a cultural tradition in Pakistan and signifies celebration and happiness. They are integral to Pakistani culture, worn by women of all ages during important events as well as everyday. Bangles symbolise culture, femininity, and celebration. In Pakistan, the best places to buy glass bangles are the bazaars and local fairs.”

Glass bangles have often raised brows when they are worn Western outfits like skirts and trousers. Though they do make a unique style statement, most women believe, they go very well only with ethnic outfits.

Pictures by VK Shafeer

Location, attire, jewellery provided by Glam by Maoosam