Heeramandi: What is Nath Utrai, Age-Old Tradition in SLB’s Show That Netizens Find Appalling

Heeramandi: The nose ring, or Nath, is widely regarded as an integral component of a woman’s bridal apparel in various cultures. It symbolises her marital status and accentuates her attractiveness during important events like festivals and weddings. But as Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi demonstrates, the Nath has a distinct significance when viewed in the context of the prostitute industry.

What is ‘Nath Utrai’ Ceremony Shown in SLB’s Heeramandi?

During this ceremony, the girl’s nose ring is taken off, symbolising her transition into becoming a Tawaif (courtesan). Typically, the girl would then engage in her first sexual encounter with a bidder who paid the highest amount for the privilege. The event would be celebrated, and the removal of the nose ring would mark the end of the girl’s virginity. As shown in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi Once taken off, the nose ring was never worn again, serving as a permanent emblem of her new status.

If you’ve watched #Heeramandi on @NetflixIndia, there’s use of the word ‘Nath Utrai’.

The “Nath Utrai” was a ceremony which involved removing the nose ring worn by the courtesans, & losing her Virginity to the highest bidder.

Pic: Prep for the Nath Utarwai ceremony. 18th cent. pic.twitter.com/Q096XUHjMj

— Indian Art (@IndiaArtHistory) May 2, 2024

In the show, Manisha Koirala’s character Mallikajaan is determined to complete her daughter Aalamzeb’s (Sharmin Segal)’ Nath Utarai.’ Every lady who aspires to be a courtesan must go through this ritual. The courtesans would start dancing, singing, and eating after the procedure.

Nath Utrai Ceremony in Heeramandi – PICS

The Queen of Heeramnadi Mallikajaan dancing in her own daughter’s NathUtrai function…..
Manisha Koirala dancer….
pic.twitter.com/0QcxYJbjB2

— Ayushi (@Arcanist36) May 3, 2024

Why ‘Nath Utrai’ Ceremony is Problematic?

The madame of the house (Mahal ki Malkin) used to demand a hefty fee for this ceremony back in the day. The girl would get a large nose ring on the left side of her nose and be dressed like a bride. This nose ring symbolized her virginity. The first night with that girl would go to whoever placed the highest offer.

The concept of ‘nath utrai’ bothered social media users. They were concerned if something like this is still practised in some parts of the world. One of the users wrote, “Why is no one talking about the problematic nath utrai ceremony?” Another user said, “I hope it still doesn’t happen.” The third user said, “A girl is always put through fire.”

Heeramandi centres on the lives of several tawaifs, or courtesans, and the several lives they lead. It is set in Lahore in the 1940s. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut series depicts the internal struggles of the women living in the red-light district and the fights of the liberation movement against the backdrop of the British Raj in unified India.