Quick Answer
What is mundavalya?
Mundavalya are decorative strands — traditionally pearls, sometimes flowers — tied horizontally across the foreheads of both the bride and groom during the Maharashtrian wedding ceremony, worn by both partners rather than just the bride.
Last updated:
Last updated:
What is mundavalya?
Also called: mundawalya, pearl headpiece.
Mundavalya is one of the details that makes Maharashtrian bridal styling distinct at a glance: strands of pearls draped across the forehead of both the bride and the groom, not just the bride. It is tied on during the ceremony itself and is considered auspicious, believed to protect the couple's eyes and mind during the ritual.
In Marathi — मराठीत
मुंडावळ्या म्हणजे मोत्यांच्या (कधी फुलांच्या) माळा ज्या लग्नविधीच्या वेळी नवरा आणि नवरी दोघांच्याही कपाळावर आडव्या बांधल्या जातात. बहुतेक परंपरांमध्ये फक्त नवरीच कपाळावर दागिना घालते, पण मराठी लग्नात नवरदेवही मुंडावळ्या बांधतो, हे या विधीचं वैशिष्ट्य आहे. या माळा शुभ मानल्या जातात आणि विधीदरम्यान वधू-वरांच्या डोळ्यांचं व मनाचं रक्षण करतात अशी समजूत आहे.
What mundavalya looks like and when it is worn
- •Traditionally made of pearl strands, sometimes combined with small flowers or gold beads.
- •Tied across the forehead of both the bride and groom — a distinctive feature compared to most regional traditions where only the bride wears forehead jewellery.
- •Put on during the wedding ceremony itself, typically around the same time as other ceremonial jewellery.
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Try the wedding checklist tool →Frequently Asked Questions
Does the groom really wear mundavalya too?
Yes — unlike most Indian wedding traditions where forehead jewellery is bride-only, mundavalya is worn by both the bride and groom in Maharashtrian weddings, tied on during the ceremony.
What is mundavalya made from?
Traditionally pearl strands, sometimes combined with flowers or small gold beads, though modern versions vary in material and style.
Is mundavalya the same as a maang tikka?
No — a maang tikka is a single pendant worn on the hairline/forehead, typically bride-only, while mundavalya is a horizontal strand tied across the forehead of both bride and groom.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated