Maharashtra has a jewellery tradition that is instantly recognisable. From the closely woven Thushi worn around the neckline to the symbolic Kolhapuri Saaj, elegant Tanmani, layered Mohanmal, and traditional Putli Haar, each Maharashtrian necklace has its own design, character and cultural story.
If you are searching for types of Maharashtrian necklaces, the most popular traditional designs include Thushi, Kolhapuri Saaj, Chinchpeti, Tanmani, Mohanmal, Putli Haar, Gahu Mala, Bakuli Haar, Chandrahar and Ekdani.
These necklaces are not limited to Maharashtrian weddings. They are also worn for festivals, religious ceremonies, family functions and traditional celebrations. The right necklace depends on your saree, occasion, desired look and whether you prefer a close-fitting choker, a medium-length necklace or a long layered design.
| Maharashtrian Necklace | What Makes It Special | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Thushi | Closely arranged beads and choker silhouette | Weddings, Paithani, festive looks |
| Kolhapuri Saaj | Multiple symbolic pendants | Bridal and traditional occasions |
| Chinchpeti | Structured close-fitting choker | Bridal layering |
| Tanmani | Central pendant with pearl strings | Elegant traditional looks |
| Mohanmal | Multiple layers of round beads | Grand bridal and festive styling |
| Putli Haar | Coin-like traditional motifs | Bridal and ceremonial looks |
| Gahu Mala | Wheat-grain-inspired beads | Weddings and festive occasions |
| Bakuli Haar | Floral Bakul-inspired design | Traditional and ethnic styling |
| Chandrahar | Long, layered necklace style | Grand traditional looks |
| Ekdani | Simple single-strand design | Minimal and everyday ethnic styling |
PrajaktSaj's current jewellery collections feature several of these traditional forms, including Gadi Thushi, Putli Har, Mohanmal, Tanmani, Gahu Mala, Bakuli Har and Ekdani.
The Thushi necklace is one of the most recognisable Maharashtrian necklaces.
It is a close-fitting, choker-style necklace made with numerous small beads arranged closely together. Its compact shape makes it ideal as the first layer in a traditional Maharashtrian bridal jewellery set.
Thushi is particularly popular with Paithani sarees, Nauvari sarees and other traditional Marathi outfits.
A traditional Thushi can be worn by itself for a refined look or layered with longer necklaces such as a Kolhapuri Saaj, Gahu Mala or Putli Haar.
Thushi represents more than traditional styling. Its beadwork, close neckline and heritage design have made it an important part of Marathi bridal jewellery.
PrajaktSaj's dedicated Thushi guide explains its cultural importance, traditional styling and role in Maharashtrian weddings.
For brides looking for a traditional close-fitting necklace, PrajaktSaj's Gadi Thushi is also a natural choice.
The Kolhapuri Saaj is one of the most distinctive traditional Maharashtrian necklaces.
Unlike a simple bead necklace, Kolhapuri Saaj is recognised for its arrangement of symbolic pendants. Traditional versions are associated with a collection of auspicious motifs, giving the necklace a strong cultural and devotional identity.
The necklace is particularly associated with the jewellery heritage of Kolhapur and is frequently considered an important part of a traditional Maharashtrian bridal jewellery collection.
The main difference is its symbolic pendant structure.
While a Thushi creates a dense neckline using beads, the Kolhapuri Saaj creates visual interest through its individual motifs.
This makes it excellent as a middle or statement layer.
A popular traditional combination is:
Thushi + Kolhapuri Saaj + Long Haar
This creates a balanced Maharashtrian bridal necklace arrangement.
Read more: [Why Kolhapuri Saaj Is Maharashtra's Most Iconic Necklace]
Chinchpeti is a traditional Maharashtrian choker designed to sit close to the neck.
Its structured appearance makes it particularly useful for brides who want to highlight the neckline of their saree blouse.
Chinchpeti can be used as an alternative to Thushi or combined with longer necklaces for a layered bridal look.
For example:
Chinchpeti + Kolhapuri Saaj + Putli Haar
creates a rich traditional necklace combination without relying on one oversized piece.
For a bride who prefers a defined, structured neckline rather than a heavily beaded appearance, Chinchpeti is worth considering.
The Tanmani necklace is one of the more elegant and distinctive pieces of traditional Maharashtrian jewellery.
A classic Tanmani features a central pendant, traditionally called the khod, with strings of pearls extending from both sides.
Its refined structure gives it a softer appearance than heavily layered necklaces.
PrajaktSaj's Tanmani content traces its popularity to the Peshwa era and describes the central gemstone pendant and pearl strings that define the design.
Tanmani works particularly well for someone who wants a traditional Maharashtrian necklace without an overly heavy bridal appearance.
It can be styled with:
For a balanced look, pair a Tanmani with traditional earrings and a Nath.
Mohanmal, also written as Mohan Mala or Mohanmaal, is a layered traditional Maharashtrian necklace made with rows of round decorative beads.
The name itself reflects the necklace's charming and attractive appearance.
Unlike a Thushi, which creates a compact choker effect, Mohanmal generally creates greater volume through multiple layers.
PrajaktSaj's Mohanmal design uses round gold-toned beads with detailing arranged across multiple layers, creating a rich traditional appearance.
Mohanmal is ideal when you want:
It can be worn as a statement necklace or combined with a shorter neckline piece.
The Putli Haar, also called Lakshmi Haar in some jewellery traditions, is a long necklace recognised for its coin-like or figurative motifs.
The motifs give the necklace a distinctly traditional and ceremonial appearance.
Putli Haar works particularly well as the longest layer in a Maharashtrian bridal necklace arrangement.
A simple styling formula is:
Thushi → Kolhapuri Saaj → Putli Haar
Here, each necklace has a different visual role:
PrajaktSaj also offers a Small Putali Har within its Maharashtrian silver jewellery collection.
Gahu Mala is a traditional Maharashtrian necklace inspired by the shape of wheat grains.
The beads are designed to resemble gahu, meaning wheat, giving the necklace its distinctive name and appearance.
PrajaktSaj's Gahu Mala description specifically explains the wheat-grain inspiration and notes its use for weddings, engagements, naming ceremonies and other auspicious occasions.
Its appeal comes from its combination of:
A Gahu Mala looks particularly attractive when layered with a Thushi or Chinchpeti.
PrajaktSaj currently offers both Gahu Mal Ghat and Moti Gahu Mala designs within its collections.
The Bakuli Haar takes inspiration from the delicate Bakul flower.
Instead of relying on traditional beads alone, its design uses floral-inspired forms arranged into multiple layers.
PrajaktSaj's Bakuli Har features floral-shaped patterns arranged in three layers and is positioned as a long necklace suitable for bridal, festive and ethnic styling.
Bakuli Haar is a good choice if you want something that feels:
Traditional + Floral + Soft + Elegant
It can work beautifully with a Paithani, silk saree or other festive Maharashtrian outfit.
Its floral character also makes it a useful alternative to more heavily symbolic necklaces when you want a softer traditional look.
Chandrahar is a traditional long necklace style recognised for its layered arrangement and elongated silhouette.
The name is associated with Chandra, meaning moon, and the design creates a graceful cascading effect around the neck.
Because of its length, Chandrahar works best when you want the necklace to become a major part of the overall saree look.
It can be particularly effective with:
When using a long Chandrahar, avoid adding too many other long necklaces. Instead, balance it with a short Thushi or Chinchpeti.
Ekdani is a simpler necklace style compared with elaborate layered Maharashtrian necklaces.
Its relatively minimal appearance makes it suitable for women who want traditional Marathi jewellery without a heavily embellished look.
Ekdani can be especially useful for:
PrajaktSaj's current Sonsala collection includes an Ekdani & Earrings set, making it part of the brand's broader Maharashtrian necklace offering.
The easiest way to understand Maharashtrian necklace types is by looking at their length, structure and visual purpose.
These sit close to the neck.
Examples:
They work well as the first layer of bridal jewellery.
These sit below the neckline but do not extend too far down the saree.
Examples:
They work well as the middle layer.
These create length and grandeur.
Examples:
These are particularly useful for layered bridal styling.
There is no single necklace that is best for every Maharashtrian bride.
The right choice depends on the saree, wedding ceremony, jewellery layering, personal style and comfort.
For a classic bridal appearance:
Thushi + Kolhapuri Saaj + Putli Haar
For a softer and more elegant look:
Tanmani + Jhumkas + Nath
For a rich traditional appearance:
Thushi + Mohanmal + Putli Haar
For a lighter festive look:
Tanmani + Earrings
For a traditional Paithani look:
Thushi + Gahu Mala + Nath
PrajaktSaj's existing Maharashtrian bridal jewellery guide also recommends combining necklaces of different lengths rather than choosing every piece independently.
A Thushi, Kolhapuri Saaj, Gahu Mala or Tanmani can all work beautifully with a Paithani saree.
The choice depends on the overall look.
Choose:
Thushi + Kolhapuri Saaj + Putli Haar
Choose:
Tanmani + Gahu Mala
Choose:
Thushi + Mohanmal + Long Haar
The important thing is to make sure the necklace arrangement does not compete with the Paithani's zari border and pallu.
Layering is one of the easiest ways to create a traditional Maharashtrian bridal jewellery look.
The key is to give each necklace a different length.
Start with:
Thushi or Chinchpeti
This frames the neckline.
Add:
Kolhapuri Saaj or Tanmani
This creates the visual centre of the jewellery arrangement.
Finish with:
Putli Haar, Mohanmal, Gahu Mala or Chandrahar
This adds length and grandeur.
A useful rule is to avoid making every necklace equally large or equally long. The beauty of Maharashtrian bridal jewellery comes from the contrast between the different layers.
Choose a layered combination such as:
Thushi + Kolhapuri Saaj + Putli Haar
Add a Nath, traditional earrings, green bangles and other bridal accessories.
You do not need a complete bridal set.
Try:
Thushi + Nath + Jhumkas
or
Tanmani + Earrings
PrajaktSaj's Ganesh Chaturthi styling guide similarly highlights Thushi, Kolhapuri Saaj and Tanmani as versatile options for festive Marathi looks.
A Thushi, Tanmani or Gahu Mala works well with a traditional silk or Paithani saree.
Keep the jewellery elegant rather than overly layered if the saree already has heavy zari work.
Mohanmal, Bakuli Haar, Tanmani or Ekdani can create a traditional look without making the jewellery feel too bridal.
Traditional Maharashtrian necklaces have historically been crafted in precious metals, especially gold.
However, modern jewellery allows women to enjoy heritage-inspired designs without necessarily investing in a complete solid-gold jewellery set.
PrajaktSaj's collections include Maharashtrian imitation jewellery, silver jewellery and gold jewellery, allowing customers to choose according to their styling needs and budget.
Best suited for:
Best suited for:
Silver provides another way to wear traditional designs while giving the jewellery a distinct antique or contemporary character.
PrajaktSaj's Mhalsa collection currently includes Gadi Thushi, Putali Har, Taramandal and other traditional silver designs.
Before buying a traditional Maharashtrian necklace, consider five things.
Heavy Paithani or Shalu sarees can support richer jewellery. A simpler saree may benefit from a statement necklace.
A close neckline works particularly well with Thushi or Chinchpeti.
Longer necklaces can create visual length, while chokers draw attention towards the face and neckline.
If your Nath, earrings or head jewellery are elaborate, you may not need three very heavy necklaces.
A wedding can last for several hours. Jewellery should look beautiful while remaining comfortable enough to wear throughout the ceremony.
The beauty of Maharashtrian necklaces lies in the stories behind their forms.
A Thushi brings together closely arranged beads and a strong Marathi identity.
A Kolhapuri Saaj carries symbolic motifs and a connection with Kolhapur's jewellery heritage.
A Tanmani reflects the elegance of the Peshwa-era aesthetic.
A Mohanmal creates richness through layers of decorated beads.
A Putli Haar brings the visual language of traditional motifs and ceremonial jewellery.
A Gahu Mala takes inspiration from wheat grains.
A Bakuli Haar transforms the beauty of a flower into jewellery.
These are not simply different necklace designs. They represent different ways of expressing Maharashtrian heritage through jewellery.
Some of the most recognised traditional Maharashtrian necklace types include Thushi, Kolhapuri Saaj, Chinchpeti, Tanmani, Mohanmal, Putli Haar, Gahu Mala, Bakuli Haar, Chandrahar and Ekdani.
The Thushi and Kolhapuri Saaj are among the most recognisable Maharashtrian necklaces. Thushi is known for its close-fitting beadwork, while Kolhapuri Saaj is known for its symbolic pendant design.
For a traditional bridal look, Thushi is often used as the neckline layer and can be combined with Kolhapuri Saaj and a longer necklace such as Putli Haar or Gahu Mala.
Thushi is a close-fitting choker made with closely arranged beads. Kolhapuri Saaj is a longer necklace recognised for its arrangement of symbolic pendants.
Tanmani is a traditional Maharashtrian necklace featuring a central pendant with pearl strings on either side. It is strongly associated with Marathi jewellery heritage and the Peshwa-era aesthetic.
Mohanmal is a traditional layered Maharashtrian necklace made with rows of round decorative beads. Its multiple layers give it a rich and regal appearance.
Putli Haar is a traditional long necklace featuring coin-like or figurative motifs. It is commonly used as a longer layer in traditional bridal jewellery styling.
Gahu Mala is a traditional Maharashtrian necklace whose beads are inspired by the shape of wheat grains. The name comes from gahu, meaning wheat.
Thushi, Kolhapuri Saaj, Gahu Mala and Tanmani can all complement a Paithani saree. The best choice depends on the saree's colour, zari, blouse neckline and desired level of jewellery.
Yes. Traditional necklaces such as Thushi, Tanmani, Mohanmal, Gahu Mala and Bakuli Haar can be worn for festivals, family functions, religious occasions and other ethnic celebrations after the wedding.
There is no single definition of a Maharashtrian necklace.
The tradition includes compact chokers, symbolic necklaces, pearl-based designs, layered bead necklaces, floral-inspired jewellery and long ceremonial haars.
Among the most important names to know are Thushi, Kolhapuri Saaj, Chinchpeti, Tanmani, Mohanmal, Putli Haar, Gahu Mala, Bakuli Haar, Chandrahar and Ekdani.
Each design offers a different way to express Marathi heritage.
Whether you are choosing jewellery for a Maharashtrian wedding, Paithani saree, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa or a family celebration, understanding the difference between these necklace styles makes it easier to build a jewellery look that feels both traditional and personal.
At PrajaktSaj, these heritage-inspired designs are available across Maharashtrian imitation, silver and gold jewellery collections, allowing you to choose the style that best matches your occasion and personal aesthetic.
