Mangalsutra

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A mangalsutra is an Indian symbol of marriage, consisting of a gold ornament strung from a yellow thread, a string of black beads or a gold chain. It is comparable to a Western wedding ring, and is worn by a married woman until her husband's death. Mangalsutra are called thaali or thaaly called thirumangalyam also in southern India.

Mangalsutra are made in numerous designs. When a marriage is arranged, the pattern is usually chosen by the groom's family according to their customs.

Mangalya dharanam (literally "wearing the mangalya") is the most important part of a Hindu marriage ceremony. The mangalya is strung on a heavy yellow thread, and tied it around the bride's neck with three knots, of which the groom ties the first and his sisters tie the rest. Later the mangalya may be restrung.