Introduction 

An Indian Woman's ornament is not just a set of jewels that can make her look more beautiful; it holds special significance and imparts some key values to her life. Sankha-Pola is such type of ornament that symbolizes wealth, fertility, love, compassion, and a prosperous married life for an Indian woman. 

However, wearing a Sankha-Pola is an integral part of Bengali tradition, but not bound to Bengal only; it extends into the nearby states, too. The custom is proudly followed in Bihar and Jharkhand with the same reverence the Bengali women do. So don't wait to explore the cultural beauty of India anymore; scroll down to find more in this beautiful article. 

What Is Sankha-Pola?

Sankha and Pola are the two types of Indian bangles worn by married women in pairs with an Iron bangle ‘Lohabadhano’ interspersed between them. The Sankha is a white Indian bangle made of conch shells (also an Instrument to produce auspicious sounds) while the Pola Bangles in an auspicious red color is made up of coral leaves. The duo colors symbolize a rich, happy, and vibrant life for an Indian married woman. Learn about each of them specifically in detail in the following lines:

Sankha (Sometimes Shankha)

Sankha or Shankha is a white bangle that is made from conch shells. You can also refer to it as ‘Conch Shell Bangles’ because it originates from a conch. These bangles come in different sizes to meet the varied wrist sizes and to fit according to various size requirements. It is a symbol of purity and resembles a pure relationship between husband and wife. 

Pola

Pola is a red bangle that is made from corals and worn out in pairs with Sankha always. It symbolizes energy, compassion, love, happiness, fertility, and a joyful relationship between the husband and the wife. 

Image: Sankha (White) & Pola (Red)

What Symbolism Does They Carry?

Sankha and Pola are brittle and are always worn out with an Iron 'Lohabadhano' or any other gold bangle interspersed between them. This is due to reducing the friction between the Sankha & Pola and protecting them from getting damaged or breaking down. It symbolizes the sensitivities and brittleness of the newly formed relationship and therefore she must take care of their relationship with every possible effort to reduce any friction between them.

As Sankha-Pola is worn out after marriage it symbolizes a woman’s marital status as well as her husband’s existential state. This is the reason, the breaking down of Sankha-Pola is considered inauspicious and hints of any danger to the husband’s life. Post demise of the husband, Sankha-Pola is the first thing that is depleted at the very first. 

How To Wear Sankha-Pola: Learn The Way

Sankha-Pola is worn in pairs with a Loha Badhano (Iron Bangle) or a silver or gold bangle interspersed between them. On the auspicious day of the wedding, the Sankha-Pola is gifted to the bride by her mother. It is instructed to wear for 12 months after marriage and is supposed to protect them from breaking in that duration. 

How It Became Tradition? - The Fishermen Story

Back in the times, the poor fishermen of Bengal were not able to offer expensive jewel items to their wives. So, they started making bangles from the corals and conch shells that they found on the seashores in huge quantities. The fisherwomen getting these bangles feel so honored and wear them with great reverence. They passed this practice to future generations and soon it became tradition and found a special significance in the women’s life. As it symbolizes the love and compassion of the husband towards the wife, wearing it is considered to be fortunate and blessed. 

Who Can Wear Sankha-Pola?

Sankha-Pola is an Indian bridal ornament and therefore can be worn only by married women. It is important to understand that by wearing Sankha-Pola a woman reflects her marital state and the existential state of her husband. Therefore, no unmarried girls or widows are allowed to wear Sankha-Pola. After the demise of their husband, Sankha-Pola is depleted at the very first and is not allowed to wear ever in the future until she is married again. 

Understand The Cultural Essence Of Sakha-Pola 

However, the Sankha-Pola holds a special significance for Hindu married women in India, the practice is predominantly followed in West Bengal and the nearby states. Women in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh practice this tradition with the same reverence as the Bengali women do. Apart from this, the Hindu Bengali women in Bangladesh also follow the tradition as they were part of this holy land (India) sometimes in the past. 

Why Is Sankha-Pola Precious For Indian Hindu Women?

For an Indian woman (Hindu) any ornament that holds significance in their married life and symbolizes her husband's well-being is more precious than Gold and Diamond. Sankha-Pola, for an Indian woman, is not just an ornament but the signage of the husband’s love, care, and protection, and the essence of wearing it is deeply connected with the husband’s well-being. Therefore, Sankha-Pola is more precious than Gold and Diamonds for Indian Women (Hindu).

Benefits Of Wearing Sankha-Pola

Wearing Sankha-Pola has many health benefits including physical, spiritual, and mental. Learn about some of the key benefits in the below lines:

(a) Wearing Sankha-Pola helps increase blood circulation in the central nerve around the Carpal shaft area.

(b) After marriage, wearing the Sankha-Pola is more than just following a tradition; it reminds you of your duty to take care of your new bond and let it flourish. 

(c) It makes you feel better and you can experience positivity in the newly formed relationship.

Conclusion 

Rooted in rich cultural traditions, Sankha-Pola is a reminder of the love, care, and protection that a woman is supposed to receive after marrying someone. It defines a strong marriage and represents the pure and joyful relationship between the two couples. So next time when you see a Sankha-Pola on an Indian woman's wrist, be reminded of its cultural, and spiritual significance. Thank you for reading till the last line.