Thorana / Bandhanwar / Ethnic Friezes

Indian culture has myriad beliefs that uphold service to humanity and nature an essential part of the culture. “Taittiriya Upanishad”, one of the many sacred scriptures speaks about “Atithi Devo Bhava” translated to “Guest is equivalent to God”. Offering hospitality, providing food and shelter to the needy, treating guests and visitors with respect and care is fundamental to ancient Indian Culture.

Making the guest feel welcome is a part of the code of conduct for an Indian. This includes treating the guest with respect, offering good food, spending quality time etc. Offering water at the entrance, providing a seat, and greeting with a Namaste is regular according to the culture. Sometimes flowers, garlands, or fragrant materials are also offered. Elegantly decorated entrance makes the guest feel special and hanging toran at the entrance of the main door is common in India. Bright and elegant toran creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the people entering through those doors. It represents the efforts of the host to make the guest feel special and welcome.

Toran or friezes are used to decorate the main entrance and pooja room in Indian culture. They are popular as Toran or thorana in South India while in the North they are referred to as Bandhanwar. Perfectly made torans add grandeur to the entrance while allowing you to pay homage to our traditional beliefs. They are also believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and increase positive energy.

Toran hung at the main doors are usually made of marigolds or chrysanthemums or other such flowers with Mango leaves intertwined in between. The religious motifs used in the Toran like Swastik, Lakshmipada, Shubh -Labh, Holy cow, Sacred Lotus among others increase the auspiciousness and invite luck and prosperity. Miniatures of elephants, peacocks, horses, fish, parrots, camel, and bells add a majestic appearance to the atmosphere. Nature-related themes make the entrance feel warm and welcoming.

Celebrations are a part of Indian culture. Every festival like Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Varamahalakshmi Pooja, Deepavali etc is a reason for the family to come together and pray together. It is an occasion for them to seek the blessings of God and of the elders in the family followed by exchanging gifts. Thoranas and other home décor can make interesting gifting options. Especially to those who love changing the look of their house regularly according to the occasion.

Thoranas can be used to decorate our house during various social, cultural and religious events or during religious ceremonies like housewarming, weddings, baby showers, pooja, festivals etc.

Where to use a Thorana or Bandhanwar?

Thoranas or Bandhanwar are usually hung in front of the main door, temples, pooja room, against the background during special poojas or while placing the Kalash. They can also be used to decorate the puja Mantap. Shubh Labh is usually hung on the Main Door as it invites prosperity and abundance.

They also form beautiful wall décor that adds a touch of tradition to the room.

Thorana at Pujaroom

Every handmade toran at pujaroom.com is made by women artisans using eco-friendly materials that include motifs and polish. These complement any décor and style and add a traditional touch to the a. Each of these can be used to beautify the entrance of your home or the entrance of your puja room with these sustainably made, traditional-looking door decors.

Cleaning and Maintaining Thorana from Pujaroom

• These are long-lasting and can be easily cleaned by wiping the surface with a soft wet cloth.
• Do not wash or soak in water. Hand-painted surfaces may begin to peel off if soaked in water.
• Each of these is easy to maintain and can be stored in compact spaces to be reused when needed.
• They are durable and can be easily redone using your creativity if required.