What Are the 16 Shringar Items? Quick Answer
The 16 Shringar items are: 1. Bindi, 2. Sindoor, 3. Kajal, 4. Nath or Nathni, 5. Karnaphool (earrings), 6. Maang Tikka, 7. Mangalsutra, 8. Haar (necklace), 9. Mehendi, 10. Choodiyan (bangles), 11. Bajuband (armlet), 12. Aarsi (mirror ring), 13. Kamarband, 14. Bichhua (toe rings), 15. Payal (anklets), and 16. Alta or Mahawar.
16 Shringar, also called Solah Shringar or Shodasha Shringar, literally means “sixteen adornments.” Hindu brides and married women traditionally wear the complete set at weddings and festivals such as Karwa Chauth and Teej. Daily practice is usually simpler, and the exact list varies by region: some traditions include gajra, itar or a wedding ring in place of aarsi or alta.
The number sixteen is traditionally associated with the moon's sixteen kalas, or phases of fullness. The complete adornment therefore represents auspiciousness, beauty and completeness. The detailed list below explains where each item is worn and its traditional meaning.
Important: Solah Shringar is a cultural and devotional tradition, not a compulsory daily rule. Families and regions follow different lists, and women may adapt the practice according to comfort, work and personal choice.
Complete List of 16 Shringar Items - Names + Meaning
One commonly used list is shown below; it is not identical in every region.
1. Bindi (बिंदी) — Forehead dot; a symbol of auspicious adornment.
2. Sindoor (सिंदूर) — Vermilion in the hair parting; a marital symbol in many traditions.
3. Kajal (काजल) — Eye cosmetic; traditionally associated with beauty and protection from nazar, a belief rather than a medical benefit.
4. Nath (नथ) — Nose ornament; its shape and side vary by region.
5. Karnaphool (कर्णफूल) — Earrings that frame the face.
6. Maang Tikka (मांग टीका) — Forehead pendant attached along the hair parting.
7. Mangalsutra (मंगलसूत्र) — Wedding necklace in many communities; the thali and other forms differ.
8. Haar (हार) — Decorative necklace, such as a choker or rani haar.
9. Mehendi (मेहंदी) — Henna patterns on hands and feet for celebration; colour depth does not measure love.
10. Choodiyan (चूड़ियां) — Bangles at the wrists; materials and ceremonial colours vary.
11. Bajuband (बाजूबंद) — Upper-arm ornament seen in bridal and deity imagery.
12. Aarsi (आरसी) — Mirror ring, associated with older bridal customs.
13. Kamarband (कमरबंद) — Waist ornament that can also help hold saree pleats.
14. Bichhua (बिछुआ) — Toe rings, commonly silver and a marital marker in many families.
15. Payal (पायल) — Anklets, with or without bells.
16. Alta / Mahawar (आल्ता / महावर) — Red dye used on feet or hands in some regional ceremonies.
Regional variations: Some lists include gajra, itar or hathphool instead. Many Bengali weddings use shankha-pola and alta; Punjabi weddings may include chooda and kalire; southern traditions may feature a thali and hair flowers. Ask your family rather than treating a regional example as a universal rule.
Safety: Jewellery is not a proven treatment for fertility, hormones or circulation. Avoid tight or painful ornaments, unlabelled cosmetics and PPD-containing black henna. Do not apply kajal to infants. Choose skin-safe products and adjust the set for comfort.
Common Questions From Devotees
Must all sixteen be worn daily?+
No. The full set is ceremonial; daily use and the chosen items vary by family and personal preference.
Why are toe rings often silver?+
Silver is a customary material in many families; some associate gold with Lakshmi and avoid it at the feet. This is a cultural belief, not a proven reproductive benefit.
Can unmarried women or widows wear adornments?+
Customs vary, especially for marital symbols. Jewellery and cosmetics remain matters of personal choice; no one should be pressured to wear or remove them.
Why is temporary mehendi included?+
It is an occasion-specific adornment for weddings and festivals. Dark colour signifies celebration in folk custom, not a measure of love or a guaranteed health effect.
About the author
Anjali Mehta · Editor, M.A. Religious Studies
Anjali is the managing editor for Vandnaa and oversees the festival and vrat coverage. She holds an M.A. in Religious Studies and reviews every published article for accuracy, accessibility, and tradition-fidelity.
Meet the Vandnaa editorial team →Explore on Vandnaa
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