Nose piercing is an ancient art of body piercing usually associated with India and its neighboring countries. This body modification art is centuries old and has become a common piercing practice all over the world. Nose piercing is not just a fashion statement in India; rather it is a cultural demand and age-old tradition. Though the art did not originate in India, rather it was brought to India during 16th century by moughals from Middle East. In Ayurveda the perfect place for nose piercing is outside the left nostril, which is supposed to make childbirth easier and is said to be mandatory for all married women. This location is associated with the female reproductive organs.
In India, these nose rings differ from region to region. Some refer it as nath, some as bulaag, some as nathni, some as long and some as nose pin. It is one traditional art, which got a very late popularity in west. Earlier these rings or studs were made in silver or gold with diamond or other precious stone embellishments, but today, with the change in time and fashion these ornaments are available in common metals like steel, copper, bronze etc.
Indian tennis star and her famous nathani