A sitahar is a long gold necklace made of several layers, traditionally worn by Bengali brides. The name comes from 'sita' and 'haar' (necklace). It usually falls to the chest or below and is the centrepiece of Bengali bridal jewellery.
sitahar traditionally has multiple layers, most commonly three to seven strands of gold chains or motifs. More layers give a fuller, grander look, while fewer layers keep it lighter and easier to wear.
A sitahar is worn mainly at weddings, especially by the Bengali bride, and also at Durga Puja, Poila Baishakh and family celebrations. Lighter sitahars also suit festive occasions after marriage.
Pair a sitahar with a choker or shorter necklace so the layers fall below it. It looks best with a Banarasi or silk saree and a high or round neckline blouse, so the layers sit cleanly on the fabric.
Both are long, layered necklaces. A sitahar is the Bengali bridal form, often with finer chains or motifs, while a rani haar is a broader term for long, heavy necklaces worn across North India.
Sitahars are usually crafted in 22K gold, which is 91.6% pure. 22K gold has a rich yellow colour and suits traditional bridal designs.
Yes. Gold jewellery sold in India must carry a BIS hallmark, which shows the BIS logo, the purity grade (such as 22K916 or 18K750) and a unique 6-digit HUID code. You can verify the HUID on the BIS Care app.
A sitahar can be heavier than a regular necklace because it has several layers. Hollow or lighter-chain designs reduce the weight while keeping the layered look.
Yes. A gold sitahar is often passed from mother to daughter as part of a family's bridal jewellery. Gold keeps its value, so it can also be remodelled into a new design in future.
Lay the sitahar flat in a lined box so the layers do not tangle. Clean it gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, dry with a soft cloth, and keep it away from perfume and hairspray.