If you have ever attended a wedding in the hills of Uttarakhand, specifically in the Kumaon region, your eyes must have been drawn to a striking piece of jewelry hugging the bride’s neck. It isn’t just regular gold jewellery it is a vibrant contrast of glittering metal against deep red velvet. This is the Galoband.

While modern jewelry trends come and go, the Pahadi Galoband remains timeless. It is not merely an ornament it is an emotion, a symbol of Suhaag (marital bliss), and a bridge to our ancestors.

What is a Galoband?

The Galoband (often spelled Guluband) is a traditional choker-style necklace. Unlike the rigid Hansuli worn in other parts of the Himalayas, the Galoband is flexible and soft against the skin.

It is the signature identity of a Kumauni woman. While you will find variations of neckwear across Uttarakhand (including Garhwal and Jaunsar), the specific design of gold square plates arranged on a velvet belt is distinct to Kumaoni culture.

The Unique Galoband Design

When people search for a Galoband design, they are usually looking for that classic, old-world charm. But what exactly goes into making one?

• The ‘Tikkis’ (The Gold Plates)

The core of the necklace consists of square, rectangular, or sometimes slightly rounded gold plates, locally known as ‘Tikkis’.

• The Motifs: These plates are rarely plain. They feature intricate Galoband Kumauni designs embossed on the surface. Common motifs include the Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), floral creepers, and traditional geometric patterns that have been used by local Sunars for centuries.
• The Method: Traditional artisans often use a technique called Repoussé, pushing the gold from the back to create a raised design on the front.

• The Velvet Belt

This is what makes the Galoband unique. The gold plates are stitched onto a high-quality velvet band.

• The Color: Traditionally, the belt is Red, Maroon, or Cherry. In Pahadi culture, red is the color of the Goddess Shakti and represents fertility and marital prosperity.
• The Comfort: The velvet acts as a cushion, ensuring the metal doesn’t chafe the neck, allowing women to wear it for long hours during festivals.

The Cultural Significance of Kumauni Galoband 

In the Kumaon region, spanning districts like Almora, Nainital, and Pithoragarh, a wedding trousseau is considered incomplete without this piece.

• Marital Identity: Much like the Mangalsutra in other cultures, the Galoband Kumauni tradition associates this jewelry with married women. It is often gifted by the family of the groom or passed down from a mother-in-law to the new bride.
• Family Heirloom: A vintage Pahadi Galoband is often heavier and made of purer gold (24K or 22K) compared to modern light-weight versions. Wearing an ancestral piece is a matter of immense pride.

The Evolution of Galoband Pahadi Style

Today, the love for this jewelry has crossed regional borders. It is no longer just for weddings; it has become a style statement.

• Fusion Wear: Young women are now pairing a Galoband Pahadi style necklace with sarees, kurtas, and even fusion western wear.
• Fabric Variations: While red velvet is classic, modern designs are experimenting with black, green, or blue velvet belts to match specific outfits.
• Budget-Friendly Options: For those who cannot afford heavy gold, gold-plated silver or brass Galobands have flooded the market, making this piece of culture accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

Whether you call it a choker or a neckpiece, the Galoband is the heartbeat of Uttarakhand’s jewelry box. It represents the grace of the mountains and the warmth of its people. It balances the richness of gold with the softness of velvet just like the Pahadi people who are tough yet humble. If you are planning a wedding or simply want to embrace the culture, a Galoband is the perfect place to start.