The Passa, also known as Jhoomar, are one of the many elgantly crafted pieces of jewelery one may have noticed on Mughal or North Indian nobility and royalty. Despite its historical origins, it continues to be worn today, especially during special occasions such as weddings and festivals. Traditionally, the jhoomar has a design similar to the crescent moon and is worn on the left side of the head. However, it has evolved through the years and taken up more modern design.
When the Jhoomar entered Punjab, it underwent a transformation and came to be known as the Passa. Originally, there were mostly pearls (i.e. mostly on the lower edges), diamonds, or rubies used for forming fourteen to twelve rows that would be attached to the crescent shaped panel. However, in Punjab, the whole piece was being made with gold.
In Islamic tradition (i.e. aside from Islamic scholarship), the moon and its phases carry great importance, symbolizing human emotions that are said to be linked to the left side of the brain. Hence, wearing the crescent shaped Jhoomar on the left side is believed to help the bride maintain composure.
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