India is a place where nose piercings are very common. Piercings were first introduced in India by Moghul emperors that came from the Middle East in the 1600's. In India, women wear one of two things, pierced on their left nostril, such as a stud called a Phul, or a ring called a Nath. Nose piercings are more significant for the Hindu and Muslim religion. For the Hindus, women wear nose piercings as a symbol, in honor of Parvathi, who is the goddess of marriage. They wear a nose ring that is never taken off until the woman is married. Muslim women also wear them as a sign of their religion. Another reason why some women pierced their left nostril is because of an ancient Indian medicine called Ayurveda. Basically the hole pierced in the women's left nostril is believed to relieve pain while the woman is giving birth. Nose piercings are a huge part of Indian culture and influence a lot of people in India. The biggest part of nose rings in India is their tie to religion and it represents a sign of beauty as an honor in the Indian culture.
Written By: Idaly Rios