A detail photo of a women wearing ankle bracelets, (anklets) in Mumbai. There are many folk stories about ankle bracelets. One of the most famous stories is the epic poem, Shilappadikaram, which is about a man who is married and falls in love with a woman who wears anklets with magical properties. The story recounts his infidelity to his wife because of the attraction he feels towards the woman wearing the anklets. Stories such as these speak volumes about the ingrained love for anklets for women in Indian culture. Traditionally only unmarried girls and married women wear anklets as customs decreed that widows could not adorn themselves with any ornaments.
Anklets with charms and bells that make a tinkling sound are worn to ward off insects and small animals while working in the fields.