Sehra

What is Sehra?

A sehra is a garland or veil worn across the forehead, usually by the groom and sometimes the bride, during weddings in the Indian subcontinent. It is tied to the turban or head covering and hangs down to partially cover the face. The sehra can be made from fresh flowers, such as jasmine or marigold, or from beads and decorative threads. Its appearance varies by region and family tradition, but it is always an ornamental piece that adds to the wedding attire.

Where does Sehra come from?

The word 'sehra' comes from the Sanskrit 'Śīrṣahāra', meaning a garland for the head. References to the sehra appear in Braj poetry by the Hindu Bhakti saint Suradāsa. The custom is found across the Indian subcontinent and is also practiced by Caribbean Hindus. Over time, the sehra has become a significant part of wedding rituals, with regional names and styles reflecting local languages and traditions.

How Sehra is made

A sehra is assembled either from strings of flowers or from beads and threads. It is tied to the groom’s turban or head covering, so that the strands fall over the face. The making of a floral sehra involves threading small flowers together, while a beaded sehra uses decorative beads and sometimes metallic threads. The choice of material and design often depends on family preference and regional custom.

When and where Sehra is used

The sehra is put on the groom or bride as part of the wedding ceremony. The ritual of tying the sehra, known as sehra bandi, is performed by female relatives such as sisters and sisters-in-law, often in a set order. During the ceremony, traditional wedding songs are sung. The sehra is worn as the groom leaves for the bride’s house, symbolizing good wishes and blessings.

Forms of Sehra

The sehra is known by different names in various regions: 'sehro' in Gujarati, 'sevrau' in Rajasthani, 'mundavalya' in Marathi, 'morrah' in Sindhi, and 'basikam' in Telugu. The materials and style also vary, with some families preferring floral garlands and others using beads. In some communities, brides also wear a version of the sehra.

What Sehra means

The sehra is a symbol of auspiciousness and protection in wedding ceremonies. It marks the transition of the groom or bride into married life and is associated with blessings from the family. The ritual of sehra bandi, performed by women, reinforces family bonds and tradition. The sehra’s mention in classical poetry highlights its cultural importance.

Questions people ask about Sehra

Good reading and sources

• Sehra (headdress) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data