TIKLY

Perhaps the most "bridal" of all jewellery pieces, the 'tikly' has recently seen an urban revival. Bridal headpieces have been a time long tradition in Bengali weddings, and the contemporary fashion scene remains witness to a re-emergence and profuse use of such wonderful, traditional pieces. Although the 'tikly' is usually considered extravagant for a regular event, it has proved its timeless popularity in the wedding fashion scene.

Depending on the desired look, brides can chose from a wide variety of styles and can effortlessly slip into a dreamlike, enchanting look, straight from the myths and legends of this region, where the ceremonial look is the norm.

The Sita patti

This is the most elaborate form of the tikly with a pendant positioned at the centre, while the hair are parted, on both sides. It usually incorporates numerous strings of extensions, running along the hairline.

A South Indian design that was later adopted by all regional cultures, the detailed and complex Sita Patti looks best on brides who are comfortable with centre partings and the traditional look. Modern brides who prefer side partings or no hair partings at all are suggested not to espouse this look.

The borla

The Rajasthani tikly or the Borla has a spherical pendant with a single string of pearls attached to it. This piece of jewellery has become popular recently through Hindi television serials and Bollywood films revolving around Rajasthan.

Bengalis have reinterpreted this piece and it is now widely worn on occasions like the Mehendi and the Holud, where the bride and the bridesmaids put on colourful wedding outfits.

The Jhapta

Jhaptas were first worn by the Mughal royalty and look as gorgeous on any bride today as it would have on a royal princess centuries ago. The jhaptas are usually paired off with the regular tikly, which adds to the charm and offers a scope to experiment.

Jhaptas look best with lahengas and shararas, and can be easily paired off with ornate saris as well. Wearing this rather flamboyant piece would perhaps look a little out-of-the-place if matched with simple saris or kameez sets.

The Tikly

Last but not the least, the tikly is the original and the simplest version of all of the above. The pendant for the tikly can be made of kundan, diamond, pearls or any precious stones, while the strings attached can be made of gold, silver, pearls or stones. The tikly is usually worn on centre partings but there is no hard and fast rule and it can be set on any type of hairstyle.

Shifting away from a metallic look, the tikly is now also being worn as floral jewellery, particularly on the more colourful wedding ceremonies like the Holud and the Mehendi, and not the formal wedding itself.

How to wear the Tikly

* Wash, condition and de-tangle the hair.

* Create a neat, coiled chignon with a centre, or side parting of the hair.

* Apply a light coat of hairspray to prevent any fly-aways.

* Softly lay the 'tikly' on the head.

* Make sure the chain is rested on the parting.

* The central pendant must be positioned on the forehead.

* Secure the tickly to the hair by attaching the hook provided at the back.

* Use appropriate hairclips to secure the tikly. Remember to match the colour of the clips with that of the hair.

* Gently shake your head to check if the tikly holds firm.

* Viola! You have got your look.

Models: Mahi and Methela

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Make-up: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon

Wardrobe: Anokhi by Humaira Khan

Jewellery: Araaz

Location: Eskay by Saimul Karim