Jodvi, Vati, Patlya, Painjan, Bichiya. Six saubhagya pieces, ritual order, weight, price.
Updated 9 June 2026 · By Rajesh Londe, 3rd generation jeweller, BIS certified valuer, Londe Jewellers Gold & Diamonds Nagpur, since 1989
Vat Savitri Purnima is the most important married woman fast in the Maharashtrian calendar after Karwa Chauth (and in many Vidarbha families it is bigger than Karwa Chauth, which is more a North Indian tradition). The story is from the Mahabharata. Savitri, daughter of King Ashwapati, married Satyavan against the warning of sage Narada that her husband would die one year after marriage. When the day came, Savitri followed Yama, the god of death, when he came to take Satyavan's soul. By her devotion and sharp argument she won three boons from Yama, the last of which she used to ask for one hundred sons by Satyavan, which forced Yama to release Satyavan back to life. The Vat (banyan) tree is the tree under which Savitri performed her devotion.
Every year on Jyeshtha Purnima the married Maharashtrian woman keeps a fast (some keep nirjala, no water; most keep phalahari, fruit and milk only), bathes early, dresses in saree (traditionally green with red border for Vidarbha, or yellow), wears all her saubhagya jewellery, and visits a Vat tree with other women of the family. There she ties sacred thread around the trunk seven or eleven times during pradakshina, offers the thali, listens to the Vat Savitri katha, and breaks the fast in the evening after a final aarti.
In 2026 the day falls on Wednesday 10 June. The Purnima Tithi begins early morning. The most auspicious puja window in Nagpur is between sunrise (around 5:35 AM Vidarbha time) and 10 AM, with a second favourable window in the late afternoon between 4 PM and 6 PM before sundown.
Saubhagya means the auspicious state of being married. The six saubhagya jewellery pieces are the visual signature of a married Maharashtrian woman. Some are gold (worn above the waist) and some are silver (worn below the waist, because gold is reserved for the upper body in Hindu custom).
The Vati Mangalsutra is the twin gold pendant on black bead chain that every married Maharashtrian woman wears every day. On Vat Savitri the Vati is touched to the forehead as part of the morning prayer, then briefly to the Vat tree thread, then back to the neck. The two inverted small bowl shape pendants (called Vati, meaning small bowl in Marathi) are believed to ward off evil and bind the married couple together.
Weight ladder for a Vidarbha Vati Mangalsutra (June 2026 Londe Jewellers Nagpur 22K rate Rs 14,140 per gram):
If you want full visual presence at half the gold weight, ask the Sitabuldi karigari workshop about Nagpuri hollow Vati. Hollow Vati is hand hammered 22K gold sheet over a wooden bowl form, made in Sitabuldi and Itwari since the early 1900s. A hollow 14 gram Vati looks identical to a solid 28 gram Vati on the neck but costs half the gold. See the full Vati Mangalsutra weight and price guide and the full Mangalsutra collection at Londe Jewellers Nagpur.
Patlya are the wide flat hand work gold bangles worn in pairs on both wrists. Vidarbha Patlya are heavier than Western Maharashtra Patlya, partly because of the Hyderabad and Sausar karigar lineages that settled in Nagpur, and partly because the Patlya is the most heirloom passed piece in a Vidarbha married woman's jewellery box. A daughter's Patlya often comes from her mother in law's first Patlya pair.
Weight ladder for a Vidarbha Patlya pair (per pair, June 2026 22K Rs 14,140 per gram):
On Vat Savitri morning the Patlya are layered with green or red glass Bilwar choodi at the wrist (closer to the palm), and with Tode bangles at the elbow side if the woman owns them. The Bilwar glass colour varies by district (Nagpur prefers green, Wardha prefers red). For the full Patlya guide see Patlya weight and price Nagpur 2026.
Painjan is the heavier chain anklet with ghungroo bells. Saakal is the lighter flat link anklet without bells. Both are worn in pairs by every married Maharashtrian woman, on both feet, year round. The metal is always 925 sterling silver, never gold (gold below the waist breaks Hindu custom).
Weight and price at ZIA Silver Jewellery Nagpur, per pair:
On Vat Savitri morning the sound of the Painjan ghungroo while walking around the Vat tree during pradakshina is considered itself an offering. Many senior Vidarbha women keep a heavier Painjan only for Vat Savitri, Akshaya Tritiya and family weddings, switching to a lighter Saakal for the rest of the year. Visit ZIA Silver Anklets and Payal Nagpur for the full range.
Jodvi is the pair of silver toe rings worn on the second toe of both feet by every married Maharashtrian woman, every day, year round. The Jodvi is the most visible signal that a woman is married, more universally worn than even the Mangalsutra (because Mangalsutra is hidden under the saree pallu, Jodvi is always visible on bare feet).
On Vat Savitri morning the senior women of the family inspect each married woman's Jodvi to confirm it is in place. If the Jodvi has slipped off or has worn thin from years of wear, the family gifts a new pair as part of the Vat Savitri tradition. A young bride attending her first Vat Savitri after marriage often receives her Jodvi as a gift from her saasu (mother in law) before the puja.
Weight and price at ZIA Silver Jewellery Nagpur, per pair:
If the existing Jodvi has rubbed thin from years of wear, ZIA Silver does free refit and weight match at both showrooms. Walk in with the old Jodvi, the karigar measures the second toe, presents three or four new pair options, then engraves the family motif at no charge.
Bichiya is the broader category of silver toe rings. Jodvi is one type (worn on second toe only). Many Vidarbha women wear additional Bichiya on the third or fourth toe as well, especially on festival days. The extra Bichiya are typically lighter, 2 to 4 gram per pair, priced Rs 800 to Rs 1,800 at ZIA Silver Nagpur. Common designs are plain band, flat top with diamond cut, or small daisy flower.
Bichiya is not strictly mandatory on Vat Savitri. But women whose first Vat Savitri after marriage falls in 2026 often add a Bichiya pair to complete the full saubhagya look for the photo.
The Maharashtrian Nath is the large half moon nose ring with pearl drops worn at weddings and major festivals. Many Vidarbha married women do not wear the wedding Nath daily (it is heavy, 5 to 12 gram of 22K gold). For daily wear they keep a lighter Bali (small hoop) or no nose piece.
For Vat Savitri, if the woman owns a Nath she may wear the lighter version (3 to 5 gram, Rs 42,000 to Rs 70,000 at June 2026 Londe Jewellers Nagpur 22K rate). Some women wear only the Bali. Either is acceptable. The wedding Nath (5 to 12 gram with pearl drops) is worn only at family weddings and on Vat Savitri if the family tradition calls for it.
The puja at the Vat tree follows a set order. Most Vidarbha women complete the full ritual in 30 to 45 minutes, but families often stay back another hour for the Vat Savitri katha (the story of Savitri and Satyavan, read aloud by a senior woman or a pujari).
The first Vat Savitri after a Vidarbha woman's marriage is a milestone moment in the family. The saasu (mother in law) and the bride's own mother (the maaher side) traditionally gift the bride a new piece of saubhagya jewellery as part of the day. Three traditional first Vat Savitri gifts are listed below.
If the bride already has a wedding Mangalsutra the family may gift a lighter daily wear Vati Mangalsutra (around 12 to 15 gram) for ongoing daily wear, keeping the heavier 22 to 28 gram bridal Vati for festivals and weddings.
Vidarbha Maharashtrian married woman jewellery is split across two destinations in the Londe family of brands.
Londe Jewellers Gold and Diamonds Nagpur is the trusted destination for Vati Mangalsutra, Patlya bangles, Nath, and gold Anguthi rings. Four showrooms across the city, with the Sitabuldi flagship carrying the widest Maharashtrian bridal and saubhagya selection. The Sitabuldi karigari workshop has been making Vati Mangalsutra, Patlya, and Kolhapuri Saaj for Vidarbha brides since 1989. All gold pieces are 22K BIS hallmarked with HUID. Walk in 11 AM to 8:30 PM all 7 days. Phone Londe Sitabuldi flagship 90755 12053. See the complete bridal jewellery selection.
Sister brand ZIA Silver Jewellery is the destination for all silver saubhagya pieces. Two showrooms in Nagpur. Bright 925 sterling silver only, no oxidised pieces.
Both ZIA stores offer free engraving on Jodvi, free polishing for life on Painjan and Saakal, and free Jodvi refit when the existing pair has rubbed thin from years of wear. Walk in welcome, no appointment needed.
Vat Savitri Purnima falls on Wednesday 10 June 2026. In Vidarbha and most of Maharashtra the puja is observed on Jyeshtha Purnima rather than Jyeshtha Amavasya. Married Maharashtrian women keep a fast, tie sacred thread around a Vat (banyan) tree, and pray for the long life of their husband. The puja muhurat at sunrise is the most auspicious time, with a second window in the late afternoon before sundown. Most Vidarbha families perform the ritual at a community Vat tree near a local temple or in a senior family member's compound.
A Vidarbha married woman wears six saubhagya pieces on Vat Savitri morning. Vati Mangalsutra at the neck (8 to 20 gram 22K gold, the central symbol). Patlya bangles in pairs at both wrists (12 to 40 gram per piece). Painjan or Saakal anklets at both feet (60 to 200 gram 925 silver per pair). Jodvi toe rings on the second toe of both feet (3 to 6 gram 925 silver per pair). Bichiya additional toe rings on other toes optional. Nath nose ring or Bali if she still wears one daily. Mundavalya is not worn at Vat Savitri (that is wedding day only). The saree is traditionally green or yellow with red border, the colours of married Maharashtrian women.
Jodvi (also called Bichiya in Hindi belt) is the pair of toe rings worn by every married Maharashtrian woman on the second toe of both feet. Traditionally Jodvi is silver, never gold (gold is not worn below the waist in Hindu custom). On Vat Savitri morning the senior women of the family inspect each married woman's Jodvi to confirm it is in place. A married woman whose Jodvi has slipped off or worn thin is given a new pair as part of the Vat Savitri tradition. At ZIA Silver Jewellery Dharampeth and Pratap Nagar the Jodvi pair ranges Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,500 in 925 sterling silver depending on weight 3 to 6 gram per pair and design (plain band, Lakshmi motif, twisted rope, modern crystal set).
Vati Mangalsutra is the twin gold pendant on black bead chain that defines a Maharashtrian married woman. The two small inverted bowl Vati pendants are believed to ward off evil. On Vat Savitri the Vati is touched to the forehead as part of the morning prayer, then to the Vat tree thread, then back to the neck. Many Vidarbha families gift a new gold Vati Mangalsutra to a married daughter or daughter in law on her first Vat Savitri after marriage. At Londe Jewellers Nagpur 22K rate Rs 14,140 per gram for 9 June 2026, a daily wear Vati 15 gram costs Rs 2.57 lakh all in, a heavier Brahmani single solid 22 gram is Rs 3.82 lakh, and a twin Vati Maharashtrian bridal 28 gram is Rs 4.95 lakh.
Painjan or Saakal silver anklets are not strictly mandatory but are worn by most Vidarbha married women on Vat Savitri morning. Painjan is the heavier chain anklet with ghungroo bells, 80 to 220 gram 925 silver per pair, that sounds gentle when she walks around the Vat tree during pradakshina. Saakal is the lighter flat link anklet, 60 to 120 gram per pair, worn by women who prefer subtle. At ZIA Silver Jewellery Nagpur the Painjan range is Rs 6,500 to Rs 18,000 per pair, Saakal is Rs 5,500 to Rs 14,000 per pair, both in bright 925 sterling silver. Senior Vidarbha women often wear Painjan only at Vat Savitri, Akshaya Tritiya, and family weddings, keeping a lighter Saakal for daily wear.
For 10 June 2026 the Purnima Tithi begins around the early hours and the puja is performed before sunset. The most auspicious window in Nagpur is between sunrise (around 5:35 AM Vidarbha time) and 10 AM. The second favourable window is the late afternoon before sundown around 4 PM to 6 PM. Many Nagpur families gather at a community Vat tree (banyan tree) between 6 AM and 9 AM. Bring a thali with vermillion, turmeric, betel leaf, betel nut, coconut, raw thread (called Vat Savitri dora), and a small bowl of soaked chickpeas. The sacred thread is tied 7 or 11 times around the trunk during pradakshina.
The traditional first Vat Savitri gift in Vidarbha is one of three pieces. First, a new Vati Mangalsutra 15 to 22 gram 22K gold (Rs 2.57 lakh to Rs 3.82 lakh at June 2026 Londe Jewellers Nagpur 22K rate). Second, a Jodvi pair in 925 silver with the family motif engraved (Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,500 at ZIA Silver Jewellery). Third, a Patlya bangle pair 22 to 30 gram 22K gold per piece (Rs 3.10 lakh to Rs 4.25 lakh per pair). The Vati Mangalsutra is the most symbolic. If the bride already has a wedding Mangalsutra the family may gift a lighter daily wear Vati for ongoing wear. Walk into Londe Jewellers Sitabuldi flagship and ask for the Vat Savitri counter, the karigari sample tray will be brought out.
For gold pieces (Vati Mangalsutra, Patlya bangles, Nath, gold Anguthi rings) Londe Jewellers Gold and Diamonds Nagpur is the trusted destination. 4 showrooms across Nagpur, Sitabuldi flagship has the widest Vati Mangalsutra and Patlya selection with hollow karigari options that reduce gold weight by 40 to 55 percent. All gold pieces are 22K BIS hallmarked with HUID, made by Sitabuldi karigari workshop since 1989. For silver pieces (Jodvi toe rings, Painjan anklets, Saakal, Bichiya) go to sister brand ZIA Silver Jewellery Nagpur. ZIA has two showrooms, Dharampeth opposite Roop on West High Court Road and Pratap Nagar near Durga Mata Mandir. Both stores carry bright 925 sterling silver, no oxidised pieces. Open 11 AM to 9 PM all 7 days. Walk in welcome, no appointment needed. Phone Londe Sitabuldi 90755 12053, ZIA Dharampeth 77589 50520, ZIA Pratap Nagar 77589 43238.
Open Wednesday 10 June 2026 from 11 AM. Both Londe Jewellers gold showrooms and ZIA Silver Jewellery silver showrooms welcome walk in customers on the puja day itself for last minute Jodvi, Bichiya, or replacement Vati Mangalsutra needs.
Find Londe Store ZIA Silver LocationsAuthor: Rajesh Londe, 3rd generation jeweller, BIS certified valuer, Londe Jewellers Gold & Diamonds Nagpur. Published 9 June 2026. Updated for Vat Savitri 2026 (10 June 2026). All gold prices use the IBJA Maharashtra benchmark 22K rate of Rs 14,140 per gram for 9 June 2026. Silver prices use the ZIA Silver Jewellery Nagpur in store rate for 9 June 2026.