LONDON, ENGLAND, September 20, 2007: The Hindu Council UK issued this statement: “Many Hindu women have their nose pierced and fitted with a stud for their wedding as part of the Shringar ritual. This ritual bestows sixteen different ‘marks of a married woman’ on the bride; other marks include the bindi, the red dot on her forehead, the wearing of a mungal sutra, or wedding necklace and sindur, putting vermillion in the hair parting. These marks are not just the outward symbol of marriage — traditionally they are believed to help ensure the match is harmonious.
Shringar is as integral a part of the Hindu wedding ceremony as the giving of a wedding ring is within a Christian marriage. Brides who choose to have their nose actually pierced and wear a stud for their wedding (it is not compulsory and many choose to wear a temporary clip on stud for their ceremonies) will want to continue to wear it as a sign of their married status. The Hindu Council UK agrees that wearing a nose stud is an integral part of this particular woman’s faith. If the company concerned allow wedding bands and earrings to be worn we do not see why Amrit Lalji should not be allowed to wear a small nose stud.”
HPI adds: In some Hindu communities, the nose ring is given when the girl comes of age.