Gudi Padwa & Ugadi 2026: Traditional Jewelry Ideas for the Auspicious New Year

Gudi Padwa & Ugadi 2026: Traditional Jewelry Ideas for the Auspicious New Year

Gurcharan Singh

The smell of fresh flowers. The sound of prayers. The taste of neem and jaggery. New clothes. New beginnings.

March 19, 2026 marks two of India's most beautiful festivals—Gudi Padwa for our Maharashtrian brothers and sisters, and Ugadi for our Telugu and Kannadiga families.

It's the day we welcome the new year. The day we pray for prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.

And in Indian tradition, what's a new beginning without new jewelry?

Whether it's your mother's treasured Kolhapuri saaj, your grandmother's vintage thushi, or that beautiful kasulaperu you've been eyeing—jewelry is woven into our celebrations.

But here's the thing: not all of us can afford real gold. And that's okay.

Because with today's anti-tarnish gold plated jewelry, you can honor tradition and stay within budget. The best part? No one will know the difference.

Let me show you how.


Gudi Padwa: Maharashtrian Traditions

In Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the new year. Families raise a Gudi (a bright cloth tied to a bamboo stick, topped with a copper pot) outside their homes. It symbolizes victory and prosperity.

Women wear traditional nauvari sarees—nine yards of elegance draped in the distinctive Maharashtrian style. And with that saree? Specific jewelry that tells its own story.

Traditional Maharashtrian Jewelry Pieces:

1. Thushi
A tight-fitting necklace made of tiny gold beads. It sits close to the neck like a choker. Simple. Elegant. Timeless. Every Maharashtrian woman owns at least one.

2. Kolhapuri Saaj
This is the statement piece. A long necklace with multiple layers, often featuring tiger claws (real or symbolic) and black beads. It's bold. It's beautiful. It's unmistakably Maharashtrian.

3. Nath
The nose ring. In Maharashtra, the nath is often larger than in other regions—a curved design that rests against the cheek. Stunning and regal.

4. Tanmani
Earrings that match the thushi. Small, circular, perfect for daily wear and festivals alike.


Ugadi: Andhra & Karnataka Traditions

For our Telugu and Kannadiga families, Ugadi brings its own beautiful traditions. The Panchanga Sravanam (reading of the new year almanac), the special Ugadi pachadi with six tastes symbolizing life's emotions, and of course—new clothes and jewelry.

Traditional South Indian Jewelry Pieces:

1. Kasulaperu
The iconic wedding necklace, but also worn during festivals. Real gold kasulaperu can cost lakhs. Our gold plated version? Under ₹2000. Same beautiful design. Same traditional feel. Much kinder to your wallet.

2. Puttapatti / Jada Billai
The jewelry worn in the hair parting—a stunning piece that runs from the center parting down the length of the braid. Absolutely gorgeous with silk sarees.

3. Koti Compositions
Temple jewelry inspired pieces—necklaces, earrings, and accessories with intricate god and goddess motifs. Perfect for the festive occasion.

4. Vaddanam / Oddiyanam
The waist belt that cinches the saree beautifully. Traditionally worn by brides, but increasingly popular for festive wear too.

5. Jhumkas
Big, bold, beautiful. South Indian jhumkas are known for their intricate work and stunning designs.


Modern Interpretations for Today's Women

Here's the beautiful thing about Indian fashion today. You can be traditional and modern. You can honor your culture and express your personal style.

Mix and Match Ideas for Gudi Padwa:

  • Pair a thushi-style choker with a modern blouse

  • Wear Kolhapuri-inspired earrings without the full heavy necklace

  • Layer a tanmani pendant with other chains for a fusion look

  • Add a nath even if you're wearing fusion wear—it's a statement!

Mix and Match Ideas for Ugadi:

  • Choose a lightweight kasulaperu that won't hurt your neck

  • Wear temple jhumkas with a simple cotton saree for daytime puja

  • Add a vaddanam over a modern lehenga for evening celebrations

  • Let puttapatti be the star—even with open hair!


7 Traditional-Inspired Pieces Under ₹2000

1. Gold Plated Thushi Necklace

Our version of the classic Maharashtrian thushi. Tight-fitting, comfortable, and completely waterproof. Wear it with a nauvari saree or even a modern kurta.

The tiny gold beads catch light beautifully. And at just ₹1299, it's a steal.

2. Temple Jhumkas

Inspired by South Indian temple jewelry. Intricate, beautiful, yet lightweight. Perfect for Ugadi puja and beyond.

These jhumkas have the traditional look but none of the weight. Your ears will thank you.

3. Kasulaperu Style Necklace

The iconic Andhra wedding necklace, now within reach. Same design, same beauty, fraction of the cost.

This piece makes every woman feel like a bride. Wear it for Ugadi and watch heads turn.

4. Nath Nose Ring

Our version of the Maharashtrian nath. Adjustable fit, comfortable for all-day wear.

Comes in gold finish with a tiny stone for that extra sparkle. Under ₹999.

5. Puttapatti Hair Jewelry

For that stunning braid accent. Lightweight and easy to wear.

Simply clip it into your hair parting or braid. Instant traditional touch.

6. Vaddanam Waist Belt

Cinch your saree beautifully. Adjustable size, lightweight design.

Makes any saree look more put-together. Trust me.

7. Kolhapuri Saaj Inspired Set

The layered look without the weight. Perfect for Gudi Padwa celebrations.

Three layers of beautiful beads and pendants. Looks expensive. Isn't.


Complete Festival Looks

For Gudi Padwa:

Traditional Look:

  • Nauvari saree in bright yellow or green

  • Thushi necklace

  • Tanmani earrings

  • Nath nose ring

  • Flowers in hair

  • Green bangles

Modern Fusion Look:

  • Kurta with palazzo

  • Kolhapuri saaj set (the lightweight version)

  • Stackable rings

  • Statement jhumkas

  • Minimal makeup


For Ugadi:

Traditional Look:

  • Pattu silk saree in rich colors

  • Kasulaperu necklace

  • Temple jhumkas

  • Puttapatti in braid

  • Vaddanam at waist

  • Red bangles

Modern Fusion Look:

  • Half-saree or lehenga

  • Temple jhumkas (bold size)

  • Stackable bangles

  • Simple chain

  • Open hair with flowers


Why Choose Gems and Glitter for Festival Jewelry

I'll be honest with you. Real gold is expensive. Not everyone can afford to buy new gold jewelry for every festival. And that's okay.

Our pieces let you:

  • Look traditional without spending lakhs

  • Wear comfortably all day (lightweight design)

  • Not worry about water, sweat, or rain (fully waterproof)

  • Enjoy 1-year warranty (we stand behind our quality)

  • Build a collection over time (affordable enough to buy regularly)

Over 10,000+ women across India trust us for their festival jewelry. From Maharashtra to Andhra, Karnataka to Telangana—women wear Gems and Glitter to their most important celebrations.

Every piece is:

  • Anti-tarnish coated

  • 100% waterproof

  • Lightweight for all-day comfort

  • Tested in real Indian conditions

  • Backed by 1-year warranty


Real Women, Real Celebrations

"I wore your thushi for Gudi Padwa last year. My aaji thought it was real gold. I didn't correct her."
— Sneha, Pune

"The kasulaperu set is gorgeous. I've worn it to three weddings already. Everyone asks where I got it."
— Divya, Hyderabad

"I bought the temple jhumkas for Ugadi. They're so lightweight! I wore them for 12 hours straight—puja, lunch, visiting relatives—and my ears didn't hurt at all."
— Lakshmi, Bangalore

"My mother-in-law complimented my vaddanam. She asked if it was real gold. I just smiled."
— Priya, Nashik


Quick Festival Shopping Guide



Festival Must-Have Pieces Budget
Gudi Padwa Thushi + Nath + Tanmani Under ₹3000
Ugadi Kasulaperu + Temple Jhumkas + Puttapatti Under ₹3500
Both Festivals Mix and match from both traditions Under ₹5000

Order Before the Festival

Gudi Padwa and Ugadi are on March 19, 2026.

To ensure delivery before the festival, order by March 15.

We offer:

  • Free shipping across India

  • COD available (pay when you receive)

  • Easy 7-day returns (no questions asked)

  • 1-year warranty on all pieces

  • Beautiful gift box with every order


The Bottom Line

Festivals are about family. About tradition. About celebrating new beginnings.

Your jewelry should add to that joy—not cause stress about budgets or quality.

At Gems and Glitter, we've made traditional jewelry accessible. Beautiful. Long-lasting.

So whether you're celebrating Gudi Padwa in Pune or Ugadi in Hyderabad, we've got the perfect piece for you.

Here's to a prosperous new year. Here's to tradition. Here's to you.


Shop Now

Shop all Gudi Padwa & Ugadi jewelry here → Click Here

Browse traditional earrings → Click Here

View all necklaces under ₹2000 → Click Here


Shubh Gudi Padwa! Ugadi Shubhakankshalu!

P.S. Orders placed by March 15 will arrive before March 19. Don't wait until the last minute!

P.P.S. Not sure which piece to choose? DM us on Instagram @yourgemsandglitter—we'll help you pick the perfect traditional piece for your celebration.


Wishing you and your family a beautiful new year from all of us at Gems and Glitter! 🌸


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