Marriage in India is more than just two people joining together; it is a deeply cultural and spiritual institution entrenched in rituals, customs, and societal expectations. Clothing, especially for women, represents marital status, cultural identity, and conformity to society conventions.
Historically, Indian customs have required certain dress for married women, frequently based on religious and cultural rituals. However, modern perspectives, changing societal norms, and legal interventions have modified these expectations, prompting the question: Are there constraints on what women can wear after marriage, particularly traditional outfits? This essay addresses this subject by looking at the junction of Indian traditions, historical factors, and recent Supreme Court decisions.
Indian Rituals and Clothing for Married Women
Hindu marriage celebrations are colourful, multi-day gatherings that include rites unique to each location, group, and caste. Clothing and adornments play an important role in these rites, especially for the bride as she transitions into her wedded life. The following are significant parts of traditional dress and symbolism associated with married Hindu women:
Saree: It is a long, unstitched piece of fabric draped beautifully around the body, generally in auspicious colours like crimson or maroon, symbolising marital love and wealth. Sarees are the typical wedding and festival clothing in various locations, particularly South India (Hindu Wedding Traditions).
Lehenga: A long skirt worn with a blouse (choli) and dupatta (scarf), popular in North India for weddings and special occasions. Lehengas are typically lavishly embroidered and match the groom’s clothing.
Sindoor: A red-orange vermilion powder placed by the groom to the parting of the hair during the wedding ceremony to represent the woman’s marital status and her husband’s well-being. Many married Hindu ladies engage in this behaviour on a daily basis.
Mangalsutra: A sacred necklace of black beads and gold tied by the groom to symbolise the eternal bond of marriage. Many married ladies wear it every day as a symbol of their commitment (The Disappearance of Hindu Symbols).
Bangles: Red or green glass bangles, which are frequently dipped in turmeric water during rituals, represent good fortune, fertility, and marriage safety. They are usually worn on both wrists (traditional Hindu wedding attire).
Toe Rings: Worn on the second toe of both feet, they are thought to promote marital peace and the husband’s lifespan (Hindu Wedding Traditions).
These symbols are profoundly rooted in Hindu rituals that form the marital tie, such as the Saptapadi (seven walks around the sacred fire) and Kanyadaan (bridal blessing). Depending on personal and familial tastes, they are frequently worn during religious events, festivals, and even on a daily basis. However, its adoption is not universal and varies by location, community, and individual preference. For example, in metropolitan locations, many women may only wear these emblems on special occasions, yet in rural or conservative settings, they may be worn every day.
Legal Perspective: Are There Restrictions on Clothing?
The Indian Constitution provides a strong basis for personal freedom and equality, which includes dress choices:
Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection under the law.
Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, gender, or place of birth.
Article 21 protects life and personal liberty, including the right to express oneself via dress.
Supreme Court Judgements
While no Supreme Court decisions directly address clothing limitations for married Hindu women, numerous major rulings uphold women’s autonomy and rights, which indirectly relate to clothing choices:
Lata Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2006): The Supreme Court maintained an adult woman’s ability to marry or live with whatever partner she chooses, emphasizing personal liberty under Article 21. This principle applies to personal choices such as dress (Lata Singh).
Joseph Shine vs. Union of India (2018): By overturning the adultery legislation, the Court rejected patriarchal concepts of authority over women, noting that a husband is not the “master” of his wife. This promotes women’s right to make personal choices, including clothing (Joseph Shine).
Indian Young Lawyers Association vs. State of Kerala (2018) (Sabarimala Case): The Court overturned discriminatory practices that prevented women from attending the Sabarimala temple, thereby promoting equality and overturning limiting traditions (Sabarimala Case).
The Sindoor Controversy
In 2024, an Indore family court, citing a Gauhati High Court decision, decided that wearing sindoor is a “religious duty” for married Hindu women, and refusing to do so might be termed “cruelty” under the Hindu Marriage Act. This caused criticism since it appeared to enforce conventional norms on women. However, the Supreme Court has not endorsed this verdict, and higher courts have generally prioritised constitutional rights over cultural expectations.
Other Relevant Cases
Kerala High Court (2024): The court said that assessing a woman’s virtue based on her dress is “unpardonable” and demonstrates misogynistic prejudice, reaffirming women’s right to choose their own apparel.
Hijab Ban Case (2022): The Supreme Court issued a split decision on a Karnataka college’s hijab ban, with one justice upholding it for uniformity and the other overturning it for breaching personal freedom. The case was referred to a larger bench, signalling that judicial review of garment restrictions (Hijab Ban) continues.
Public Decency Laws
While married Hindu women are not subject to any specific clothing restrictions, general public decency rules, such as Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code, prohibit obscene conduct in public. These laws apply to everyone, regardless of marital status or religion (Clothing Laws).
Conclusion
Hindu women are not legally required to wear exclusively traditional clothing after marriage. Sarees, sindoor, mangalsutra, bangles, and toe rings are cultural and spiritual symbols that are emphasised in Hindu rites and customs. However, these are optional, and their adoption is determined by personal, familial, and regional preferences. The Indian Constitution and Supreme Court decisions, such as those asserting personal autonomy and equality, guarantee women the right to choose their clothing, subject only to general public decency laws. While societal influences may remain in conservative contexts, the legal framework promotes individual choice, allowing Hindu women to strike a balance between tradition and modernity in their clothing choices.
