Passa
A fan-shaped head ornament worn at the side of the head, above the ear. Also called a jhoomar.
A passa is pinned into the hair on the left side and fans outward, usually with a fringe of pearls or drops along its lower edge.
It is Mughal in origin and is worn alongside a maang tikka rather than instead of it.
Hyderabadi bridal sets treat the passa as essential rather than optional.
When you are buying
A passa needs a secure pin and enough hair to grip. Check the fixing before the design, because this is the piece most likely to slip during a long function.
Head ornaments
A few from the collection, from ₹1,200.
The Moonrise Ring
Lustrous Gold Finish Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl
Twirled Knot Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl & CZ
Rich Red Faux-leather & White Pearl Bracelet
Bright Sky-Blue Faux-leather & Peach Pearl Bracelet
Fun Orange Faux-leather & White Pearl Bracelet
Stylish pearl pendant and earrings set 1
Stretchable Light Grey Button Pearls Bracelet
Maang Tikka
A head ornament worn along the hair parting, with a pendant resting on the forehead.
Nizami Jewellery
The court style of the Nizams of Hyderabad: pearls in abundance, emeralds, and Persian-influenced form.
Bridal Set
A matched group of pieces worn together for a wedding: typically a necklace, earrings, and often a maang tikka.