Heeramandi: What Is Nath Utrai Ceremony? All About The Cultural Significance Of Wearing Nose Ring
In many communities, the Nath (nose ring) is considered an essential part of a woman's bridal attire, symbolizing her married status and enhancing her beauty on special occasions like weddings and festivals. However, as shown in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi, in the context of the prostitution business, the Nath takes on a different meaning. ?
What is Nath Utrai ceremony?
For the unversed, a lot of women in North India traditionally wear nose rings on the left side of their noses. However, during the Lucknow Nawab erawhen a?would-be prostitute aka tawaif or courtesan, who declared herself to enter the profession, she would undergo a ritual called?Nath Utrai,?or the removal of the nose ring.
Several Twitter users also revealed the meaning of Nath Utrai ceremony.?
One of them wrote, "Preparation for ?? ????? Nuth Uterwai ceremony at a courtesan's kotha. Painting from Awadh, late 18th centuryMadame at centre discusses event, virgin girl wearing flower garland will be deflowered & hence initiated into her new profession. Highest bidder Man will get chance."Another one said, "If you've watched #Heeramandi on @NetflixIndia, there's use of the word 'Nath Utrai'. The 'Nath Utrai' was a ceremony which involved removing the nose ring worn by the courtesans, & losing her Virginity to the highest bidder." A third user shared,?"During Lucknow Nawab era the ritual of "Nath Utrai" ceremony was done which involved removing the nose ring worn by the courtesans, & losing her Virginity !!!"
During this ceremony, the girl's nose ring is taken off, symbolising her transition into becoming a Tawaif (courtesan). Typically, the girl would then engage in her first sexual encounter with a bidder who paid the highest amount for the privilege.?The event would be celebrated, and the removal of the nose ring would mark the end of the girl's virginity. As shown in?Sanjay Leela Bhansali's?Heeramandi?Once taken off, the nose ring was never worn again, serving as a permanent emblem of her new status.
Why do Indian brides wear Nath?
The nath (nose ring) is a significant ornament worn by women for various cultural, social, and religious reasons.?
Cultural Tradition: The nath is deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition, especially in regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. It's often worn as a symbol of marital status or to enhance a woman's beauty. In fact, getting nose pierced is also seen as paying respect to Goddess Parvati.
Also Read:?Meet Taha Shah Badussha AKA Tajdar Baloch From Heeramandi Who Has Become the Internet's New Crush
Marital Symbolism: In many Hindu communities, particularly in South India, the nath symbolizes a woman's marital status. It's often worn by married women as a sign of being wedded.
Religious Significance: Some Hindu scriptures and cultural practices associate the nose ring with auspiciousness and blessings. It's believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the household.?In some Muslim-majority regions, such as parts of South Asia and the Middle East, wearing nose rings has been a cultural tradition for centuries. It's often seen as a symbol of beauty, femininity, and tradition rather than having specific religious connotations.
Ayurvedic Beliefs: Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, suggests that wearing a nose ring can have health benefits, particularly for reproductive health. It's believed to regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate menstrual pain.
Also Read:?Urdu Pronunciation In Heeramandi Is So Bad That Even Actor Sheezan Khan Is Disappointed!
For more news and updates from the world of??OTT, and?celebrities?from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.
