Another essential part of the Solah Shringar is the application of sindoor, that was originally crafted from ground turmeric and saffron, with the red colour symbolising love and passion. “The location of application, the centre of the forehead, is of the third eye or the agni chakra,” Ms Kulkarni explains, adding, “This is believed to alight the area and bring about good judgement.” The origins of applying sindoor is believed have been when Goddess Parvati wore it as a marker of her devotion to Lord Shiva. Today, the sindoor is considered a sign of blissful, happy married life.
Adorning the eyes is an essential part of Solah Shringar, and it is called different names in different parts of the country—kajal, surma, kanmashi, kaadige, kaatuka, or kan mai. “Traditionally, women used the soot from earthen diyas to enhance their eyes. Taking the example of the Forest Essentials’ Gulaab Khaas Kajal, the process we use to make this product is painstaking and delicate, wherein hundreds of pure cotton wicks are soaked in a paste of almond oil, fresh rose jam, saffron, nutmeg, cashew nut, pistachios, cardamom, and fresh herbs,” Ms Kulkrani shares.

These herbs, she explains, are also known as ‘Tarpaka’ herbs in Ayurveda, which are known to satiate the senses. Her own brand makes kajal in the prescribed manner, in which pre-saturated cotton wicks are placed in earthen lamps or diyas, filled with pure cow’s ghee. Thereafter, silver plates or thalis are placed above the lamps, which collects the deep-black, natural soot, overnight. With the addition of a small amount of pure castor, a few drops of camphor, and rose petals, the soot achieves a paste-like consistency, which they have called the Gulaab Khaas Kajal.
One of my favourite rituals in the art of getting ready is the spritzing on perfume, and applying scent is an important part of the Solah Shringar ritual. “Scents create unforgettable auras and play a crucial role in connecting one to a spiritual realm,” Ms Kulkarni opines. “Fragrances have long played a key role in ancient Indian ceremonies and rituals, including prayers, as a means to appease the Gods.” For instance, in Kashmir, the Phoolon ka Gehna is a ceremony where the bride is adorned with flowers instead of jewels by close female friends and family. In North India, the bride is decked with delicate floral jewellery to symbolise her first ‘shringar’. “Fragrance plays an important role from the start of the wedding rituals—from scented body oils and ubtans to the scents used for the hair and body at the wedding ceremonies.” And finally, Ms Kulkarni talks about the one element that shines through it all—gold. “Gold is an ancient symbol of good health, prosperity, and femininity,” she shares, “It is traditionally believed to have the power to purify anything it touches.” In Ayurveda, she elaborates, gold has been revered for its beautifying, illuminating, and healing properties, and that lotus-eyed
Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have pioneered the use of gold in skincare for her radiance and beauty rituals. Taking from this philosophy, Forest Essentials has been following Rasayana Chikitsa—a holistic healing therapy for the mind and soul. And inspired by Goddess Lakshmi, they developed the iconic Soundarya Collection. For brides-to-be, this range is infused with a combination of potent herbs, root infusions, unprocessed concentrated plant oils, pure cow’s ghee, and 24 karat Gold Bhasma… ingredients mentioned in Ayurvedic recipes to enhance the bridal glow.
“We prepare the Bhasma according to the tenets of the Rasagranthas, the branch of Ayurveda that details in the artistry of transforming gold into herb-enriched Bhasma,” she further explains.
Beauty and wisdom…the principles that Ms Kulkarni has followed in creating some of the most iconic skincare products. And for it, we have Ayurveda to thank.