_Last updated: 25 June 2026_
A maang tikka is a forehead ornament that hooks onto the centre hair parting, with a small pendant resting on the forehead. Styles range from the round Rajasthani borla to the side-worn passa, in materials such as kundan, American diamond, pearl or gold-plated finishes. A maang tikka can be worn by brides on the wedding day or as part of a festive celebration.
What is a maang tikka?
A maang tikka is an ornament for the forehead worn along the central portion of the hair, which has a decorative piece or pendant that ends in the centre of the forehead. A hook or clip secures it in place upon the parting, while there is a fine chain running from behind the crown to the pin that secures it into the hair.
The placement of the pendant has been made purposefully. The pendant is placed over the Ajna Chakra point, referred to as the 'third eye', which is linked to wisdom and intuition in Indian tradition and is the centre of inward concentration. The maang tikka is counted among the solah shringar, the sixteen adornments of an Indian bride, and is believed to protect the wearer from negative energy.
Maang tikka vs matha patti vs borla - what's the difference?
A maang tikka is a single central piece, a matha patti adds side chains across the forehead, and a borla is a specific round style of tikka. The table below sets all three apart at a glance.
| Ornament | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Maang tikka | One central chain with a pendant on the forehead | Minimal-to-rich bridal and festive looks |
| Matha patti | A central tikka with side chains framing the forehead and temples | Heavier, full bridal coverage |
| Borla | A round or dome-shaped style of maang tikka | Rajasthani and Marwari bridal looks |
In summary, a borla falls under the category of maang tikka (traditional head ornamentation) and a matha patti is a larger head accessory with either a maang tikka or an additional ornament in the centre. A dedicated guide for matha patti further illustrates this type of hair style.
What are the types of maang tikka?
Designs for maang tikka are often categorised based on their shape and placement, as well as types of stone work. Listed below are some of the most common styles that brides and those shopping for festivals tend to look for.
Single-chain classic
One of the oldest types of maang tikka consists of a long thin chain with a pendulum coming down from the forehead. This style can be worn with many different styles of bridal attire, including simple sarees or elaborate lehengas. This timeless piece will complement all face shapes perfectly.
Borla (Rajasthani round)
The borla is an accessory in the shape of a dome or round pendant, which attaches in some manner to one's head, generally located at one's forehead between their eyebrows. Originating from the Rajasthani and Marwari culture, this type of jewellery is designed with gems or pearls and looks amazing when worn as part of a traditional bandhani or leheriya bridal outfit.
Jhumar / passa (side ornament)
Pasa, or jhumar, is an ornament that can be seen on the side of the head rather than on top. The long strands of pearls/stones hanging off it make this an elegant choice for a bride who wears her hair parted and cannot wear a central tikka.
Matha-patti style
A matha-patti-style tikka has a central pendant that extends into side chains framing the forehead and temples. This provides a more complete, regal look and is appropriate for grand bridal entries where a single chain would be too simple.
Kundan
A kundan maang tikka is made with uncut stones set in gold-coloured foil, which gives it an antique, timeless sparkle. It pairs beautifully with traditional silk and velvet outfits, making it an ideal choice for wedding-day wear.
American diamond
American diamond maang tikka features cubic zirconia cut in facets to create brilliance that is similar to diamond at a much lower price. The bright modern finish is also great for engagements, banquets and sangeet evenings, with clean white light definition creating a nice sparkle under low evening-levels.
Pearl
A pearl maang tikka has an elegant and understated appearance. Pearl drops or accents add a softer touch to the overall look of the piece. For haldi, mehendi, and other daytime festive occasions, a pearl maang tikka is a popular choice because it provides a lighter and fresher appearance that goes well with the entire outfit.
A Nuyug tikka in this range typically comes in kundan, american diamond, pearl or gold-plated finishes, so you can match the stone work to the occasion and outfit.
How do you wear a maang tikka?
To wear a maang tikka, hook it onto your centre hair parting and secure the back chain with an extra pin. It must rest flat at the centre of your forehead, aligned with the bridge of your nose.
Follow these steps for a clean placement:
- Make a clean centre parting and brush the hair smooth on both sides.
- Slide the hook or clasp at the front of the tikka onto the parting near the hairline.
- Let the pendant drop so it sits flat at the centre of the forehead, level with the brow.
- To secure the piece in place, run the back chain up and around the crown of the head and fasten it with the end pin.
If you have a preference for a side parting, then selecting a passa is the easier option because it can be hooked across your hair without needing a centre parting (like a central tikka).
Which maang tikka suits which occasion or face shape?
It would be best to match your tikka to both its function (e.g., what occasion you will wear it to - heavier, multi-tiered kundan or borla styles for the wedding day; lighter, pearls or single-chain styles for daytime events) and your face shape; this, in turn, will determine the proportions of the pendant.
For a full bridal look, a borla or a richly stoned kundan tikka holds its own against an elaborate lehenga. For festive occasions when you want your jewellery to be more subtle but still elegant, such as Diwali, Karwa Chauth or a friend's sangeet, consider a slimmer American diamond or pearl tikka. Visit the full jewellery range to view how well these pieces coordinate with matching earrings and a necklace.
When selecting jewellery based on your face's shape, if you have a round face, consider long vertical pendant jewellery as they lengthen your face. A passa or sheeshphool helps to balance a wide forehead and open it up visually. A plain round pendant is always a safe option and works with most face shapes.
How do you care for a kundan or AD maang tikka?
To keep the brightness of the stones and the security of the settings, it is important to properly take care of your delicate kundan and american diamond pieces. By developing good habits, you will be able to maintain the condition of both your pieces and their stones.
You should wipe your tikka down gently after every use to remove any perspiration or cosmetic build-up, and before you place it into storage.
Also, you should not store your tikka near any type of perfume, hairspray or moisture because these things will dull the foil backing of the stones set into the tikka as well as loosen the stones over time.
When you store your tikka, always lay it flat in a soft pouch or lined box, separate from other items of jewellery, to prevent the chain from tangling and the stones from scratching each other.
Curated Picks
A few Nuyug maang tikkas in kundan, pearl and chandbali styles:
