The groom ties the auspicious thread around the bride’s neck on the day of their holy nuptial as significance that their relationship would be as auspicious as the thread. It symbolizes that they will be mates for life until death separates them. South Indians believe that the mangalsutra needs to be tied in 3 knots with each knot carrying a significance loyalty towards the husband, dedication to the family, and devotion to the lord.
It is believed that mangalsutra, which is one of the most essential aspects of the Hindu tradition, originated in South India and was adopted by the Northern states. In South India, the name and style of a mangalsutra change depending on the community and caste. It is usually called a Thaali or Thirumangalyam, and it has a long yellow thread and a gold pendant representing the Goddess Supreme.
The North Indian version of a mangalsutra usually has a black beads chain and a gold pendant. The pendant is called the Tanmaniya and it comes in a variety of designs. North Indian weddings usually have a separate ceremony for tying the sacred thread around the bride’s neck. However, some traditions do not have any such ritual. For instance, Bengali brides don’t wear Mangalsutras. Instead, they wear Shakha Paula bangles (conch bangles). Similarly, the Marwaris do not have the custom of wearing a Mangalsutra.
