Weddings are an exciting time! This feeling is shared not just by the bride and groom but also their friends and family who, along with eagerly waiting for their favourite couple to say their vows, also look forward to the amusing traditions.
The question of “who’s next?” is always hanging in the air! The Kaleera ceremony further fuels everyone’s curiosity, even if it’s just meant to jest with the ones in waiting.
Bridesmaids and other friends or sisters lineup as the bride takes turns to shake her Kaleeras over their heads. Whoever is on the receiving end of a charm or string is believed to be next in line to get married! Much like catching a bouquet at a western wedding, this too, stirs up a lot of fun!
Over the years, the leading accessory of this tradition has taken a rather fascinating turn. Women are increasingly wishlisting, and being spotted in varied kinds of Kaleeras for their wedding, from flowery wonders to tasseled creations!
To understand why, it’s essential to be introduced to the flairs of the 21st century bride.
Who is she?
Today’s bride has moved further away from age-old norms. She is more true to her personal style, unafraid to break the rules, and ready to experiment. She is fiercely individualistic and this shows in everything she does! This doesn’t mean that she hates taking the ‘traditional’ route, but knows that it’s not the only one! Even though Kaleeras are primarily bought by her bridesmaids or her uncle, she ensures that her preferences are known.
Kaleera 2.0
Most millennial brides long for everything fuss-free, so that they can enjoy their own weddings and stay as unbothered as possible. The new-age Kaleera can be a bangle with only a few charms attached, or have an out-of-the-ordinary shape minus the tiers, contrary to the dome-line designs we’re used to seeing. It can be made out of stunning shells or fresh flowers, pristine pearls or precious metals! Yes, heavier bunches have a much better chance at dropping and deciding someone’s fate than the undersized kind, but as long as they’re given a go by the bride, nothing else matters.
Belsi’s Jewellery 
Outhouse 
Raabta
Let’s talk about the OG Kaleeras for a minute…
In the olden days, Kaleeras were made to be eaten. That’s right! What was once meant to hold a ‘snack’ for brides as they travelled long distances to reach their new home, is now an ornament that we feast our eyes on! Half-cut coconuts with dry fruits and other nuts attached to the strings are what the ancient Kaleeras looked like. Their main purpose was to keep hunger at bay. But like everything else, it’s interesting to see how these have evolved over time, into the fun & often ‘extra’ parts of the bride’s chooda that are hard to miss at North Indian weddings.
The bulkier, the better is what the older generations of women believed. While that is bound to look quite dramatic and rich, it definitely restricts movement or at least seems to cause some restraint.
A lot of times, what makes traditions more beautiful is when they evolve to fit the current day scenario. Tying the knot soon, and Kaleeras are an important part of your culture? Take some time to ponder upon the kind of statement you want to make at your wedding. You can choose to play by the rules, break them, or twist them ever-so-slightly; it’s all up to you.
