Nostril piercing is a different affair for Hindu (generally Indian)girls and women, its meaning and signifigance is different than can be comprehended in the western world; nostril piercing is a common right of passage and totally acceptable form of body enhancement. Most females have their noses' pierced: their left nostril in the north of India and right in the south. In some villages and areas of the nation, a girl may have both nostrils gleaming.
At A Glance Author Samantha Contact RCHANDLER@wi.rr.com Artist Sorry didn't catch their names Studio Altered Evolutions Location Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA Unfortunally, with the ever increasing influence of western, especially American culture on the sub-continent and the fact that most bollywood starlets aren't obvious with their jewelery; nose piercing is becoming less common among those who live in big cities like Mumbai (Bombay) and those who consider themselves affluent and/or modern.
Of course piercing has become far from obsolete!! As part of the wedding ceremony, among not only Hindu, but also Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Parsi and some Indian christian brides have their nose pierced.It is important to understand that a pierced nose does not always indicate marriage or imediate intent to marry,for example I am not married and have nothing currently arranged. The piercing has a few terms including 'nath' and 'Khil.'Usually, the type of jewelery worn on the wedding day is the nostril ring chain to the ear-as made popular by Janet Jackson. It is important to note however, that the wedding day seems to be the only time a woman will wear this type of jewelery; a stud or small ring seems to be the choice fashion.
Septum piercing (just to make a little side note of it) is far less visable through out the general Hindu/Indian population. Yet among classical Indian dancers ie: Kathakali and Bhatra Niyam the septum is a vital decrorative force.
Every morning when I do Pooja (say my prayers)I gaze upon gorgeous water colour-like dipictions of Saraswati-ji, Laxmi-ji, and the divine mother incarnate Ammachi---all have shimering nostril studs.
Nonetheless, I do not live in India, I am not desi Indian (My mom is white and my Dad is American tribal.) and I am only seventeen and still attending High school. Yet, I always knew that I too would some day join the pierced ranks and in October of 2000 a few days after my seventeenth birthday came the auspicious day I knew I would have it done.
My Father, brother and myself went to a standard piercing parlour on the Eastside of Milwaukee that autum afternoon. I confess to being rather nervous as I walked through the establishment's doors.So many thoughts were galloping through out my mind would it hurt?? would something go wrong?? However, the serenity and cordial demenours of my two piercers made me instantly at ease.
There isn't much to be said about the procedure itself. As I was laying back in the chair, like I was getting my teeth polished I was told to close my eyes and count to three. Instantly, I felt that intense pressure as the needle penetrated my nostril flesh. I wouldn't say it was painful---but it certainly didn't feel fantastic!!The worst part had to have been directly after the tiny diamond nostril screw was inserted..when it was tightened..that wasn't particularly fun! But there wasn't quite anything like finally opening up my watery eyes and seeing my brother's grining proud face above me.
I am so proud of the the diamond that shines from my right nostril. It's not only a matter of fashion, but more so about standing up and being counted for who I am. I encourage all Hindu girls to have their noses' pierced. I know that outside of India it is hard, ignorant individuals may sterotype you and some establishments like schools may believe you are falling prey to some trend and thus ban your right to nose studs---Yet stand tall. Like Shivani a fifteen year old student from New Zealand who after refusing to remove a small nose pin was expelled from her school, though it was an obvious means of cultural and religious identification. Her case and story was recently featured in the Magazine "Hinduism Today."
Another fantastic example of the ability to be modern and still be studded is that of Ahrundhati Roy, the author of the Booker prize winning novel "The God Of Small Things." She proudly wears a diamond nose pin, though she is of Bengali-Hindu Indian-Christian linage.
I hope someday when I have a daughter she too may make the decsion to wear her piercing proudly and understand the signifigance and authenticity of it. May we all stand up and be counted for who we are!!
If you have any comments questions please feel free to contact me!
PS. I am looking to buy an Indian made Nose pin, if you know of any good e-commerce company that sells them let me know!
NAMASTE AND SHANTI~Samantha.