Traditions of Toran

Toran is the name in Hinduism (Sanskrit. torana, from tor, pass) of a sacred or honorific gateway in Buddhist architecture. Its typical form is a projecting cross-piece resting on two uprights or posts. It is made of wood or stone, and the cross-piece is generally of three bars placed one on the top of the other; both cross-piece and posts are usually sculptured.

The earliest archaeological evidence of Torana dates back to Sanchi stupa built by Mauryan Empire in 3rd century BCE. The Sanchi torana and architecture is imitation of timber and brick construction in stone, which was popular feature in Indian architecture before 3rd century BCE.

Both Chinese paifang gateways and Japanese torii gateways might have been derived from the Indian torana. The functions of all three are similar, but they generally differ based on their respective architectural styles, such as having multiple tiered and arched roofs and various "supporting posts" that are prevalent in East Asian architectural style. The Korean gateway is also related to the Japanese torii, and similar structures exist in Thailand.

A great deal of cultural exchange between these countries took place in ancient times, so that many Indian, Thai, Chinese, Korean and Japanese cultural practices are related. For example, Benzaiten is a Japanese name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati, and the ancient Siddhaṃ script, which disappeared from India by 1200 CE, is still written by monks in Japan.

In Kalinga architecture we can see the Toran in many temples built from the 7th to 12th centuries. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Rajarani Temple and Mukteswar Temple are the few example of Kalinga architecture having torana.

The origin of torans can be traced to Puranas (Hindu mythological work). Torans or bandanwaars 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 Lakshmiji. So the decoration of the entrance of the place which is called dwaar is also important in this regard. The beautiful door hangings that are also known as bandanwaars and torans have special significance as the decoration accessories. These torans are the first thing that welcomes your guests as they step at your place. These torans not only enhance the charm of the main entrance of your home but also give a friendly welcome.

Toran may also 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.

Diwali, when you hear that the festival is nearing you tend to plan about a lot of things. Cleaning home, shopping new stuff, lightening the home, decoration,sending sweets to relatives, etc. but there is one more ritual attached to Diwali and that is toran. Toran is a traditional hanging seen in Indian households during festive occasions, like Diwali. It fits perfectly into the archways of doors and at the entrance of homes. The flowers and beads are hung on the doorways, pathways and windows and it gives the festive mood an enhancement and also adds on to the decor of the house.

Hanging a toran at the door is considered as an auspicious sign. These decorative toran are hung with an intention to welcome goddess Lakshmi to the households. You can either make toran by yourself in different ways to create varied effects, or buy it from market.

You can decorate your sweet homes forever with these stunning exclusive torans. A special vaastu toran, beautiful satin ribbon toran, a unique tissue toran, and sparkling crystal and beads toran, classic woollen toran, cotton toran, etc. are covered in this category. Desihandcrafts brings handmade torans made by our artisans taking care of our culture and traditions.