Hathphool (Haathphool): What It Is, When to Wear It and How to Size It

A hathphool (also spelt haathphool) is a bridal hand ornament: a central motif on the back of the hand, linked by fine chains to rings on the fingers and to a bracelet at the wrist. It is also called a panja in some places. This guide explains what it is, when brides wear it, how to size it and how to style it. Sirini stocks about 35 hathphool designs.

What a hathphool is

A hathphool is a hand ornament that links a bracelet to finger rings so the whole piece lies across the back of the hand. The name comes from hath (hand) and phool (flower), and the centre is often shaped like a flower or a decorative motif. Traditional designs are set with Kundan or Polki stones and pearls, and many have Meenakari enamel on the reverse. Depending on the design there can be one ring, or a ring on each of several fingers.

When brides wear a hathphool

Brides usually wear a hathphool on the wedding day, and sometimes for the mehendi or engagement, because the hands are on show in photographs and rituals. In many families it is worn with a lehenga or heavy saree for the main ceremony, and it is not an everyday piece. It is most visible when the hands are held out or when the henna is fresh, which is why many designs are finished in a mehendi or antique polish that goes well with henna tones.

How to size a hathphool

Sizing comes down to two measurements: the wrist and the distance from the wrist to the finger rings. Measure your wrist with a soft tape or a strip of paper, and add a little room so the bracelet is not tight when you lift your hand. Then measure from the wrist bone to the base of the finger where the ring will sit; the chains need to lie flat without pulling. Ring sizes and chain lengths differ between designs, so check the product page, and if in doubt message us on WhatsApp with your measurements before ordering.

How to wear it

Put the bracelet on first, then slip the rings on, and finally smooth the chains so the central motif lies flat on the back of the hand. Wear it on your dominant hand or the hand that will be seen most, and keep the other wrist lighter, perhaps with a plain kada or a ring. Ask a friend to help with the fastening. Practise before the day so you can lift a dupatta, hold a garland and hold a bouquet without the chains catching, and avoid long or sharp nails that might snag them.

Styling with bangles and the rest of the set

Keep the wrist otherwise clear so the chains lie flat, and put bangles further up the forearm rather than directly at the wrist bracelet. Sirini's bangles and kadas can be worn on the other wrist, and a matching ring adds balance. Match the stone colour of the hathphool to the rest of your bridal jewellery, so a ruby hathphool goes with ruby and pearl pieces and a mint or pearl one with pastel outfits. See our Indian bridal jewellery checklist for the full list of pieces.

Kundan, Polki and Meenakari hathphools

Kundan hathphools use foil-backed stone-setting and read bright and formal, Polki designs have a softer, uncut look, and Meenakari adds coloured enamel, often on the reverse where it shows when the hand turns. The Sirini range includes designs in ruby, emerald, mint, pink and white, in bright and antique gold finishes. Browse the Kundan collection to match a necklace set to your hathphool.

What Sirini stocks and how it ships

The hathphool collection has about 35 designs, priced from about Rs 2,200 to about Rs 13,800. All Sirini jewellery is gold-plated imitation jewellery made in Mumbai on a brass or copper base, not real gold or diamonds. Shipping is a flat Rs 379 across India with cash on delivery available. Defective, damaged or wrong items can be exchanged within 7 days, but change-of-mind returns are not offered. WhatsApp +91 98331 14467 or visit our Santacruz West showroom. Unfamiliar terms are in our jewellery glossary.

Common questions

What is a hathphool?

A hathphool is a bridal hand ornament with a central motif on the back of the hand, joined by fine chains to finger rings and a wrist bracelet.

When do brides wear a hathphool?

Most often on the wedding day, and sometimes for the mehendi or engagement. It is a ceremonial piece rather than an everyday one.

How do I size a hathphool?

Measure your wrist and the distance from the wrist to the finger rings, then compare with the details on the product page. If unsure, message Sirini on WhatsApp before ordering.

Which hand should I wear it on?

Many brides wear it on the hand that will be seen most, often the dominant hand, and keep the other wrist lighter with a bangle or kada. There is no strict rule.

Does Sirini sell hathphool?

Yes. Sirini stocks about 35 hathphool designs in Kundan and Polki styles, from about Rs 2,200 to Rs 13,800, in gold-plated imitation jewellery on a brass or copper base.

Is a hathphool the same as a panja?

They are very close, and the words are often used for the same kind of hand ornament. Names vary by region and by seller.

Read next: Indian bridal jewellery checklist · How to style Kundan and necklace sets · What colour jewellery to wear.