Bichiya is a small ring worn on the second or long toe by married Hindu women, particularly in North, Central and Western parts of India. It is of great religious significance in Hinduism. Bichiya toe ring is worn at the time of marriage and it signifies a Hindu woman’s state of marital happiness.
In certain Hindu communities, this toe ring is removed when the woman’s husband dies.
The toe in which this ring is worn, and also the number of rings worn, vary with communities and regions, but what remains consistent is the fact that this ring is given by the maternal uncle at the time of marriage.
Bichiya is made of silver; unlike the mangalsutra which is either wholly made of gold or has a gold pendant.
The bichiya is either a plain ring or it may have floral filigree on top. The gift of the toe ring is an offshoot of the joint family tradition in Hindu society.
Curiously enough, in some regions of India where it is essential for a married Hindu woman to wear a bichia, the manga sutra (sacred thread or thali), which symbolizes marriage in most parts of the country, has no significance.
Source –
- Indian Jewellery (1982) Jamila Brij Bhushan – D.B. Taraporevala Sons And Co Private Ltd Mumbai
- Jewellery of India (1980) Francies Brunei – National Book Trust New Delhi
- Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume II page 355 - IHRF