You must have spotted quite a lot of Hindu followers wearing a variety of threads. Various colors like red, orange, white, black and yellow exist in the section of sacred threads. Not all threads can be worn by anyone nor for any purpose. They have their own specific reasons and persons.
Let’s now understand the importance and significance of these colored threads.
White Thread (Janeu)
This particular thread is worn only by the male members of the upper caste families. This depicts the transition of a young boy to a man. Brahmins make the male member wear it by conducting a ceremony known as the sacred ‘Thread Ceremony’. Some Kshatriyas and by Vaishyas also wear it. This sacred thread of the Brahmins is made of cotton, that of a Kshatriya of hempen threads and that of a Vaisya of woolen threads.
Significance: This depicts the transition of a young boy to a man. Brahmins make the male member wear it by conducting a ceremony known as the sacred ‘Thread Ceremony’.
Red Thread (Kalava)
Red threads are very common among the Hindus. Men as well as, women can wear it by doing a very small puja ritual. The red thread is usually tied on the right hand of men and unmarried women, while it is tied on the left hand for married women. You can find this thread in any temple. It is a cotton thread and was at first offered as a cloth to the deity.
On the day of Bhadrapad Shukl Chaturdashi or Anant Chaturdashi wearing a red thread known as ‘Anant Chaudas Thread’ is considered to be very auspicious. This is either worn as armlet or around the neck by both male and female. Wearing this will bring in happiness, health, and prosperity.
Significance: The red thread or Kalava symbolizes long life and protection against enemies. Hence, it is also called ‘Raksha thread’. It is believed that wearing this will keep God’s blessings with you.
Black Thread
This is yet another powerful thread worn by the Hindus. In the case of small children, it is usually tied around their waist and adults tie it in their left wrists or armlet. Some also tie a special root along with it and wear it as a necklace. People who practice black magic/Tantric vidhya may wear in their right foot as well.
Significance: It is said to keep children away from evil eye (buri nazar). It also keeps away people from evil spirit or unwanted tantra mantra done.
Orange Or Saffron Thread
Orange threads are quite prevalent in south and east India. People wear it for different reasons. This is a long thread which is wrapped around the wrist several times to form a bundle.