Posts Tagged ‘bangle wearing ceremony’

Salina’s Lenggang Perut (Bangle Wearing) Ceremony

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

As a photographer it’s always a pleasure to receive a new assignment from a previous client. A while ago I had the privilege to take some wedding shots of Salina and her husband, Rajindren. I was thrilled when she contacted me with news that she was seven months pregnant. It gives me great satisfaction to have the opportunity to capture key moments in people’s lives, and Salina’s Bangle Wearing Ceremony (Valaikappu) was certainly a joyous occasion.

A bangle wearing ceremony is a tradition usually performed when seven months pregnant. Relatives adorn the mother-to-be with a selection of glass bangles on her arms for the well being of mother and baby. Sandalwood paste is smeared on the face, hands and feet of the expectant mother in order to cool the body, and a selection of rice is offered, the choice of which signifies whether the baby will be a boy or girl – supposedly.

The bangle ceremony was held in a beautifully decorated apartment in Cheras and Salina looked gorgeous that I had a tough time choosing which photos to place on my blog. So here are just a few of them taken during the event, showcasing her beauty and an enchanting ‘glow’ that is so unique to pregnant women.

To view more photos of this event, head to Salina’s Bangle Wearing Ceremony Gallery

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Glass bangles are placed on the wrists of the pregnant mother during the ceremony by close family and friends

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Leena's ValaKappu (Bangle Wearing) Ceremony, 16 Feb 08

Tuesday, February 19th, 2008

ValaKappu (Lenggang Perut) ceremony is usually done during the 7th month of pregnancy. It was my first time attending such a ceremony I was really excited to see what was installed. The ceremony was held in Ipoh and lasted a little more than an hour was filled with colours from the start to the end.

Relatives took turn to bless Leena and slip bangles on each of her arms, she was then smeared with sandalwood paste on her hands and cheeks which is believed to give a cooling effect to pregnant mothers due to hormal changes in the body. Later sweet indian delicacies such as white and brown rice are given to her to eat.

Part of the ceremony also included three female relatives who took turns to drizzle a little milk from her back, the milk held in a small container with a tapered spout is commonly used by Indian mothers to give medicinal concoctions to infacts.

Personally, I enjoyed the ceremony and loved the colours of the gifts and the bangles. Thanks to Vicram & Leena for the enjoyable time, wishing you lots of luck and safe delivery of the little one.

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