A topor ( bn, টোপর) is a type of

conical A cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape that tapers smoothly from a flat base (frequently, though not necessarily, circular) to a point called the apex or vertex. A cone is formed by a set of line segments, half-lines, or lines conn ...

headgear Headgear, headwear, or headdress is the name given to any element of clothing which is worn on one's head, including hats, helmets, turbans and many other types. Headgear is worn for many purposes, including protection against the elements, de ...

traditionally worn by grooms as part of the

Bengali Hindu wedding Bengali Hindu wedding refers to the traditional Bengali wedding, usually with Hindu rites and rituals native to the Indian subcontinent. See also * Bengali Muslim wedding * Gaye Holud * Culture of West Bengal * Culture of Bangladesh * Weddi ...

ceremony. The topor is typically fragile, made of

sholapith Sholapith or shola pith (also referred to as shola and Indian cork) is a dried milky-white spongey plant matter from ''Aeschynomene'' species. It can be pressed and shaped into objects of art, or for practical use. It is the "pith" used for pith he ...

and white in colour. The topor is traditionally given to the groom by the bride's family. The groom dons the topor before the main ceremony begins. It is believed to bring good luck. Brides will typically wear related, but differently-shaped, headgear ( bn, মুকুট, mukut). Topors are also worn by infant boys as part of the

annaprashana The Annaprashana ( sa, अन्नप्राशन, , bn, অন্নপ্রাশন, ) also known as Annaprashana vidhi, Annaprasan or Anna-prasanam, is a Hindu rite of passage (Saṃskāra) that marks an infant's first intake of food ot ...

ceremony, when they are dressed like grooms.

Religious significance

According to a legend associated with it, it is evident that the Topor was crafted because Lord Shiva wanted to wear a special headwear for the wedding ceremony and he gave this task to Vishvakarma but he failed to design a beautiful and eye-catching headgear as he was only specialized in handling hard materials. Later, the Lord Shiva assigned a Malakar to make a headgear using sholapith. From then, the Topor became a significant part of traditional Bengali Hindu weddings.

References

Indian headgear Bengal Indian wedding clothing Pointed hats {{India-culture-stub