Toran (art)

Toran (Hindi: तोरण) (origin: Sanskrit. torana, from tor, pass), 'Toranam (Tamil), also known as Bandanwal, refer to a decorative door hanging in Hinduism, usually decorated with marigolds and mango leaves, or a string that is tied on the door with the flower on it as a part of traditional Hindu culture on the occasion of festivals and weddings. A toran may feature colours such as green, yellow and red. They can be made of fabrics or metals which are usually made to resemble mango leaves. They also have other decorative features depending on the region.[1]

For the Pashtun tribe, see Toran (Pashtun tribe).
For the Indian architectural gateways, see Torana.
Toran from Gujarat, 20th Century, plain cotton weave with embroidery and mirror work, Honolulu Museum of Art. The hanging pieces are stylized mango leaves.

The origin of torans can be traced to Puranas (Hindu mythological work). Torans are used to decorate the main entrance of the home. The main idea behind decorating the homes is to please and attract the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. These torans are the first thing that welcomes guests.

See also
  • Torana, in Hindu-Buddhist Indian-origin also found in Southeast Asia and East Asia
  • Torii, in Japanese temple architecture
  • Paifang, in Chinese temple architecture
  • Hongsalmun, in Korean architecture with both religious and other usage
  • Iljumun, portal in Korean temple architecture

References
  1. Rivers, Victoria Z. (June 2014). "The torans of Gujarat and Rajasthan: meanings and origins". Marg, A Magazine of the Arts: 78–80. – via Academic OneFile (subscription required)
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