Toran from Gujarat, 20th Century, plain cotton weave with embroidery and mirror work, Honolulu Museum of Art. The hanging pieces are stylized mango leaves.
History of Toran The word Toran originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Torana’ which means to pass. Toran is the name of a sacred gateway in Buddhist architecture. The Toran is a typical form of a projecting cross-piece that rests on two uprights. It is made of wood or stone.
The meaning of TORAN is a gateway commonly of wood but sometimes of stone consisting of two upright pillars carrying one to three transverse lintels that is often minutely carved with symbolic sculpture and serves as a monumental approach to a Buddhist temple in India.
A toran is a beautiful door hanging often found in houses in Indian cultures. While it adds beauty to the doors, it also carries a profound cultural and spiritual significance rooted in tradition and history.
The toran is a frieze hanging named after a sacred gateway in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist architecture. In the Gujarati communities of western India, a toran is hung above the doorway to the main room of the house as a sign of welcoming.
Handmade torans are woven with tradition, carrying the essence of celebration and heritage. Whether it’s the intricate charm of a beaded toran or the timeless beauty of khatli work, each piece is crafted to bring positivity and grace to your home.
Toran is also 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, and the flowers and beads are hung on the doorways, pathways, and windows.