Quick answer: A maang tikka is a head ornament that sits on the centre parting with a pendant on the forehead; a jhumar (or passa) is a fan-shaped piece worn on one side of the head. Wear a maang tikka centred on your parting for classic symmetry, or a jhumar to one side for a regal Mughal look — and many brides wear both together. Match the metal and stones to your jewellery set, and balance them with your earrings rather than letting everything compete.
Head jewellery transforms a bridal look — but a maang tikka and jhumar can be confusing to place. Here's how to wear each, and how to combine them.
What is a maang tikka?
A maang tikka is a piece of jewellery worn along the centre hair parting, with a chain that runs to a pendant resting on the forehead and a hook that secures into the hair at the parting's start. It's one of the most iconic and symbolic pieces of South Asian bridal adornment.
What is a jhumar?
A jhumar (also called a passa) is a fan- or crescent-shaped ornament worn on one side of the head, usually the left, near the temple. It has a distinctly regal, Mughal-inspired feel and adds asymmetric drama.
How to wear a maang tikka
- Centre it: the pendant should sit in the middle of your forehead, with the chain following your parting.
- Secure the hook firmly into the hair at the start of the parting so it doesn't slide.
- Match your hairstyle: a centre parting suits it best; works beautifully with an updo or open hair.
How to wear a jhumar
- Pin it to one side of the head, near the temple, fanning outward.
- Anchor it well — jhumars can be heavier, so secure pins matter.
- Style your hair to support it: an updo, side-swept style or a neat bun holds it best.
Wearing both together
Many brides wear a maang tikka centred and a jhumar to the side — a classic, full bridal look. The key is balance: if both are statement pieces, keep the rest (especially earrings) a touch simpler so your head jewellery leads. (This follows the one-focal-point principle.)
Matching to your set
- Metal: match gold with gold, antique/oxidised with antique sets.
- Stones: coordinate kundan, polki or stone colours with your necklace and earrings.
- Outfit colour: echo a stone colour that picks up your outfit shade — easy when your outfit is dyed to your exact colour from the colour library.
By event
- Baraat: full glamour — maang tikka and/or jhumar with your heaviest set.
- Mehndi: a lighter or floral tikka suits the festive mood.
- Nikah: a delicate maang tikka keeps it refined and modest.
(See pairing jewellery with a heavy bridal outfit.)
Browse the bridal collection or explore shades in the colour library.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a maang tikka and a jhumar?
A maang tikka sits on the centre parting with a pendant on the forehead; a jhumar (or passa) is a fan-shaped piece worn on one side of the head near the temple.
How do you wear a maang tikka?
Centre the pendant on your forehead with the chain along your parting, and secure the hook firmly into the hair at the start of the parting. A centre parting and an updo or open hair suit it best.
Can you wear a maang tikka and jhumar together?
Yes — many brides wear a centred maang tikka with a side jhumar for a full bridal look. Keep earrings a little simpler so the head jewellery leads.
Which side does a jhumar go on?
A jhumar is usually worn on the left side of the head near the temple, pinned securely and supported by an updo or side-swept hairstyle.
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Last updated: June 2026
