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 ₹700.
The Lantern Pearl Ring
The Blush Ring
The Duet Pearl Ring
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
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.