10 Stunning Types of Maang Tikka Designs Every Bride Must Know
Maang Tikka is a timeless accessory that combines tradition, elegance, and style in one stunning piece. Whether it’s a grand wedding, a vibrant festival, or a casual ethnic gathering, the right maang tikka can instantly elevate your look and add a touch of royal charm. From subtle and minimalist designs to intricate bridal masterpieces, there’s a maang tika to suit every personality, outfit, and special occasion, making it a must-have jewellery piece in every collection
The History of Maang Tikka
The origin of maang tikka goes back thousands of years in Indian culture. In ancient times, it was known as Sindoormandal or Shirbandh and was considered both a beauty ornament and a spiritual symbol. The spot where a maang tikka is worn is believed to be the Ajna Chakra (the third-eye chakra) the center of wisdom, intuition, and marital bliss. In royal courts, queens and princesses wore heavy maang tikkas made of gold, diamonds, pearls, and meenakari work to display their wealth and status. Over time, this jewellery became a key part of bridal adornment across India and remains an essential piece in traditional wedding ceremonies.
Modern Trends
Today, maang tikkas have evolved beyond traditional bridal wear into fashion-forward accessories. Bollywood brides and influencers are popularizing fusion designs that blend classic elements like kundan, polki, and pearls with minimalist chains, geometric pendants, or floral motifs. Lightweight and versatile, these tikas suit not only weddings but also sangeet, mehndi, cocktail parties, and festive events. Contemporary designs use rose gold, silver, crystals, and colored beads to match modern bridal palettes, while personalized and layered styles let brides showcase unique fashion statements. Social media has further fueled trends, inspiring creative hairstyles and modern pairings that keep the maang tikka stylish, elegant, and relevant for every celebration.
Let’s explore the most stunning types of maang tikka and discover how each design tells its own story..
- Single Strand Maang Tikka
The single strand maang tikka is a timeless classic, featuring a delicate chain with a small pendant resting on the forehead. Lightweight and elegant, it complements both bridal lehengas and simpler outfits. Ideal for engagement ceremonies or pre-wedding events, it offers understated charm while symbolizing grace and tradition.
- Borla / Rajasthani Maang Tikka
The Borla is a dome-shaped, traditional Rajasthani design adorned with kundan, pearls, or meenakari. Sitting like a small crown, it pairs beautifully with lehengas and sarees, representing prosperity and royal elegance. Borlas are often chosen for traditional weddings or cultural ceremonies to add a regal touch.
- Passa / Side Maang Tikka
The Passa is worn on one side of the head, inspired by Mughal royalty. With fan-shaped motifs, layered pearls, or polki stones, it adds vintage charm and sophistication. Perfect for shararas, anarkalis, or Nikkah dresses, it gives brides a unique, elegant look beyond the center-parting tradition.
- Matha Patti
A Matha Patti frames the forehead with a central pendant connected to side chains, often embellished with kundan, polki, pearls, or crystals. It enhances the facial features and pairs beautifully with grand bridal outfits, making it ideal for weddings, receptions, and engagement ceremonies.
- Jhoomar Style Maang Tikka
The Jhoomar is a cascading, chandelier-like ornament worn on the side, featuring multi-layered pearls, beads, or stones. It adds feminine movement and elegance, perfect for royal-themed weddings, Nikkah ceremonies, or cultural celebrations.
- Double or Multiple Chain Maang Tikka
Double or multiple chain tikas feature two or more chains along the hair parting with a central pendant. They create a glamorous, fuller look without needing a full Matha Patti. Suitable for grand weddings or receptions, this design balances elegance and grandeur.
- Polki / Kundan Maang Tikka
Polki and Kundan tikas are heritage-rich, featuring uncut diamonds or glass stones set in gold foil. They sparkle brilliantly and are ideal for pairing with Banarasi sarees or heavily embroidered lehengas. Often passed down as family heirlooms, these tikas add royal elegance to bridal attire.
- Pearl / Beaded Maang Tikka
Pearl and beaded tikas are soft, delicate, and lightweight. They can be single or multi-strand and are perfect for mehndi, sangeet, engagement ceremonies, or bridesmaids. Their understated elegance complements pastel or floral outfits beautifully.
- Contemporary / Minimal Maang Tikka
Modern minimal designs feature geometric shapes, floral motifs, and small crystal clusters. Lightweight and versatile, they suit fusion outfits, gowns, or destination weddings, allowing brides to maintain style and comfort while preserving a traditional touch.
- Oxidised / Bohemian Maang Tikka
Oxidised tikas with tribal motifs, antique finishes, and mirror work are trendy for casual festive events like mehndi or haldi. They add a quirky, bohemian vibe and pair perfectly with Indo-western outfits, long skirts, or casual sarees, giving a stylish, modern edge.
Materials Used in Maang Tikkas
Maang tikkas are available in a variety of materials to suit different styles, occasions, and budgets:
Gold & Silver: Classic choices for royal bridal looks.
Kundan & Polki: Known for uncut diamonds and sparkling traditional designs.
Pearls & Beads: Lightweight, subtle, and ideal for pre-wedding functions.
Meenakari: Colourful enamel detailing adds vibrance and elegance.
Oxidised Metal: Gives antique charm and a bohemian vibe.
Artificial Stones & Crystals: Budget-friendly, stylish, and lightweight for modern brides.
Modern brides often prefer lightweight artificial tikkas that are comfortable yet visually luxurious.
| Styling Tips | Care Tips |
|---|---|
| – Choose a maang tikka that complements your face shape: long pendants suit round faces, while wide Matha Pattis balance narrow foreheads. – Secure the chain with bobby pins to prevent slipping. – Experiment with hairstyles like buns, braids, half-updos, or loose waves to highlight your maang tikka. – Mix and match: pair minimal tikas with bold earrings or layer side tikas for a dramatic effect. | – Store your maang tikkas in a soft, dry box to prevent scratches and damage. – Avoid contact with perfumes, hairsprays, or water, as these can tarnish metals and dull stones. – Clean gently after each use with a soft cloth to maintain shine and durability. – Handle lightweight artificial tikas with care; give extra attention to heavy or antique pieces. |
Conclusion:
The maang tikka is more than just a piece of jewellery—it is a symbol of tradition, elegance, and timeless beauty. From delicate single-strand designs to majestic Matha Pattis, each style carries a story of heritage and culture, while modern adaptations offer versatility for every bride and occasion. Whether you prefer a royal, vintage, or contemporary look, choosing the perfect maang tikka can elevate your bridal style, highlight your features, and add a regal charm to your overall ensemble. Embrace this cherished ornament to celebrate both fashion and tradition, and make every festive or wedding moment unforgettable.
Also Read: Navratri Jewellery Trends 2025- Shining Bright This Festive Season
