Traditional Goan Ornaments

Each gold and stone-studded handcrafted ornament of Goa holds its own special place in the bridal jewellery and festive attire of Goan families.

The Goan bridal 'CHUDO'

The chudo, a set of bangles made of green glass and gold, is worn by Hindu and as well as some Catholic brides in Goa, carrying forward a shared tradition.

The ornaments are in the form of headgear, bangles, neckpieces, armbands (bazuband), nose pins or rings (naath) and anklets like the silver payzan and vedê. Before Goa’s liberation, when girls typically married young and had fewer opportunities, these ornaments were often gifted by parents as a form of financial security.

Traditionally, each piece was crafted locally by skilled goldsmiths, although some recent designs have also begun to be machine-made. Over the years, the influence of more intricate jewellery designs from the neighbouring states has resulted in diversity in design. At the same time, modern commercial adaptations tend to lean towards simplicity to keep up with contemporary fashion.

The influence of nature

Nature is a central theme in the designs of traditional Goan ornaments, which use gold, gemstones, pearls and corallium. The influence of nature is also apparent in the many shapes and forms these ornaments take.

Surngavalsar

The surngavalsar gets its name (and form!) from the rare surnga flowers that bloom in the Western Ghats during the pre-monsoon showers. It is a garland of gold beads worn around the bun.


                                                                                                                       The surngavalsar


Gizbizle

The pendants of the gizbizle often take the shape of fish, tortoises, flowers and other motifs. It is a necklace crafted with pearls and gemstones like emeralds and rubies.

          Mor

As its name suggests, the mor has a coloured enamel or stone inlay resembling a peacock, and an intricate gold mesh hanging from it.

The mor's with the stone inlay resembles a peacock.

Pansakate Kankna

These bangles, inspired by the spiky texture of jackfruit skin, were once worn every day by all married ladies in Goa. 


Other bangles

Traditional bangles like Patli, Ghott, todo, Black bead bangles (Piddukachi Kankna), Coral bangles (Povlaynchi Kankna), Rudrashachi Kankna, Putlyachi Kakna, Motyachi kakna (pearl bangles) have their own places in festive attire.

Necklaces

From the heavy galsari and delicate tandle, to the spiritually significant rudrakshachi maal, neck pieces are worn during weddings, religious functions and community celebrations.

Headgear

Apart from the Surangavalsar, Goa has unique hair ornaments like the Kadkadyafulachi Aati, (in which the tiny light weight gold flowers lterraly vibrate as one moves), Pisoli (3 or 5 strings of gold chains hanging from one end to the other end of the bun endiing in either gold flowers or peacocks) and Aambado Jaali, each enhancing traditional hairstyles for special occasions.

Accessories

Heritage jewellery goes beyond the neck and hands: armlets (Bazuband), Bugdyo, Pakhe (a design influenced by northern India), Nath (nose ring), Paayzan (silver anklet with tiny bells) and Vedê (silver toe rings) complete the look.

Changing Times

In the '60s and '70s, women walked freely in their finest jewellery. But with modern lifestyles leaning towards minimalism, heavy gold ornaments are rarely worn today. Many remain locked in safes, brought out only for weddings or special occasions.

For some, this shift is about aligning with contemporary fashion trends. For some, it is about avoiding ostentatious displays of wealth. For others, it is about personal safety. And for many, it is simply the ever-rising price of gold.

With this change, the cultural symbolism and pride of wearing designs passed down through generations – and the craftsmanship that enabled it – are slowly fading.

All images in this post are owned by Goa Decor unless otherwise specified. Their reuse, reproduction, alteration or distribution without expressed permission from Goa Decor is prohibited.

Author:

Arch. Roopa Kunkolienker

Founder & Creative Director

Goa Decor


  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNS4xrTiYBW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

About Goa Decor

Goa Decor is an artisanal boutique with the mission of bringing the rich culture and heritage of Goa to your doorstep. Our team of skilled artisans works tirelessly to bring you the finest quality handcrafted home decor products, inspired by the history of our little coastal homeland.

Goa Decor Studio

F/8, Level 1 (above Garrafão)

Silvio Heights, St Inez

Panaji, Goa 403001

10 AM to 7 PM, Mon – Sat

Tel.: +91 70200 68459

Email: support@goadecor.store


























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