Kalyan Wiki
Valaikappu Bangles
In India there are many traditional rituals and celebrations held in the last weeks of pregnancy for the well-being of the mother. In Kerala, it is called Puli kudi, srimantha in Karnataka, Seemantham in Andhra Pradesh, and Valaikappu in Tamil Nadu. Valaikappu also known as Valaipottu, is held on the 7th or 9th month of pregnancy in the presence of loved ones for having a safe and comfortable pregnancy. The scientific explanation is that during the 34th week, the hearing ability of the baby improves and it is believed that listening to the sound of bangles tapping together gives the baby a sense of protection. In this ceremony, the food and bangles have equal importance, but from the name itself you can see the significance of bangles; 'vala' means bangle and 'kappu' means protection.
On this special day, the expecting mother is dressed like a bride wearing her wedding saree and heavy jewellery. Since she is going to give birth to a child she is considered as Goddess Lakshmi and is treated like a goddess.
Pregnant women have first to wear golden bangles and then the glass bangles. Red and blue are the two important colours to be worn. It should be worn in odd numbers in both the arms - red on the right and green on the left. These bangles are put on by elder women in the family while singing songs and hymns, which are meant to bring happiness to the soon-to-be-mother.
