Punjabi weddings are extravagant events that have many rituals and
ceremonies. Amongst the many different traditions is the one of a bride
being given her Churra (also spelled Chura or Choora.)
The choora is a sign of newlywed status for a woman and is generally a
set of red bangles that are worn by the bride on her wedding day. The
choora can come in many different colors but most commonly it is made in
red and white. There are usually 21 bangles contained in a bride’s
churra.
The churra is gifted to the bride by her maternal uncle and aunt
(MamaJi and MamiJi). The bride’s maternal uncle puts the bangles on his
niece while traditional songs are sung. The churra is traditionally worn
for 40 days and only the husband can remove the churra on the 40th day.
Some brides may also choose to wear the churra for an entire year.
For the amount of time it is worn, the fragile churra, generally made of plastic or ivory, is kept safe and intact by allowing the bride to abstain from any rigorous work that may damage it. At the end of the time period the churra is removed and the bride assumes regular activities.
How long will you wear your choora? Leave us a comment below and let me know! ;)
