Passa Jewellery: What It Is, Styles and How to Wear It

A passa is a bridal headpiece worn on one side of the head, pinned near the parting or hairline and swept toward the ear. It is often seen in Gujarati, Punjabi and Pakistani bridal looks, and brides from other communities wear it too. This guide explains what a passa is, the main styles, how to wear it with a maang tikka, and how to choose one that suits your face and hair. Sirini stocks dozens of passa designs.

What a passa is

A passa (also spelt pasa or paasa) is a decorative side ornament that sits on one side of the head, unlike a maang tikka, which hangs at the centre of the forehead. It is usually a curved or fan-shaped piece set with Kundan or Polki stones, often finished with pearl drops or small hanging chains, and fixed to the hair with hooks or a comb-style clip. You may also hear the word jhoomar or jhumar used for a similar hanging headpiece, and some passas are sold together with a matching jhoomar as a set, so check the product page to see exactly what is included.

The main passa styles

Most passas fall into a few styles, defined by the stones and the finish. Polki passas use flat, uncut-look stones for a traditional, slightly antique glow. Kundan passas use stone-setting in a foil-backed style that reads brighter and more formal. Pearl passas add strings or drops of pearls, which softens the look. Some designs carry Meenakari enamel detailing, and finishes vary from bright gold to a matte antique or mehendi polish. Colours at Sirini include ruby, emerald, mint, pink, crystal white and pearl, chosen to match a lehenga or the stones in a bridal set.

How to wear a passa with a maang tikka

Wear the passa on the side where you part your hair and keep the other side lighter, with a maang tikka at the centre. This balance stops the headpiece from looking one-sided. The passa lifts the eye to the side of the face, while the maang tikka anchors the middle of the forehead. Pick one heavy element and one lighter one: if the passa is large and elaborate, choose a slimmer tikka, and if the passa is delicate, a bolder tikka can carry the look. Pin the passa first, then place the tikka so its chain sits clear of the passa hooks.

Choosing a passa for your face shape

There is no fixed rule, but a few guidelines usually help. For a round face, a passa with a longer, more vertical drop tends to add length. For a long or oval face, a wider, fan-shaped passa adds width and balance. For a square face, curved designs and pearl drops soften the jawline. If you are unsure, hold the piece against your hair in a mirror and look at the whole picture.

Choosing a passa for your hair

A passa sits best on hair that has some hold, so many brides wear it with a low bun, a side braid or soft waves pinned back at the parting. For thick hair, a passa with strong hooks or a comb base stays put. For fine or straight hair, ask your stylist to backcomb a small section where the passa will sit so the hooks have something to grip. Do a trial with your stylist before the wedding day.

Matching the passa to the rest of your jewellery

Match the stone colour and finish of the passa to the rest of the set, so the jewellery reads as one design. Sirini's Kundan and Polki collections make it easy to find a matching necklace set, and our Indian bridal jewellery checklist lists every piece a bride might wear so you can plan the whole look.

What Sirini stocks and how it ships

Sirini stocks dozens of designs in the passa collection; prices are shown on each product page. 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. To check a design before you order, WhatsApp +91 98331 14467 or visit our Santacruz West showroom. Unfamiliar terms are explained in our jewellery glossary.

Common questions

What is a passa in bridal jewellery?

A passa is a decorative headpiece worn on one side of the head near the parting or hairline. It is commonly set with Kundan or Polki stones and is often paired with a maang tikka.

What is the difference between a passa and a maang tikka?

A maang tikka sits at the centre of the forehead, while a passa sits on one side of the head. Many brides wear both together for balance.

Which side should I wear a passa on?

Most brides wear it on the side where the hair is parted, and keep the other side lighter. Your stylist can advise on what works best with your hairstyle.

Can I wear a passa with short hair?

It can be done if there is enough hair to pin into, for example with a small backcombed section or extensions. Do a trial with your stylist first.

Does Sirini sell passa jewellery?

Yes. Sirini stocks dozens of passa designs in Kundan, Polki and pearl styles. They are gold-plated imitation pieces on a brass or copper base.

Can I return a passa if it does not suit me?

Sirini does not offer change-of-mind returns. Defective, damaged or wrong items can be exchanged within 7 days, so check the design with us on WhatsApp before you order.

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