Are The Conch Shells Used In Holy Rituals Man-made Or Found In The Ocean?

In the Hindu religion, the conch shell or shankha holds a significant role that often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. Used in every puja, the sound of the conch — known as shankhnaad — resonates in religious ceremonies. Interestingly, in the past, wars would commence and conclude with the distinct sound of the shankha. Today, we delve into the process of the making of conch shells. Recently, a video has gone viral on the internet. In the video, artisans can be seen making bangles from shankha. Social media users have commented on the video. One user wrote, “I always love to see hard-working highly skilled people. I’m amazed”. Another user added, “I’m sure you are cutting shells just to make a bracelet”.

A post shared by Saurabh Birari (@foodie_saurabh_)

While conch shells are a familiar sight, the process of their creation may not be as commonly known. Contrary to what many people think, the conch shells used in religious ceremonies are not manufactured in factories. Instead, they are found along the seashore where sea snails live. These shells act like armour for the sea snails. When a sea snail leaves its shell, the shell becomes light and floats to the shore.

When these conch shells get to the shore, people pick them up and sell them in the market. Some sellers improve their appearance by cleaning and decorating the shells, making them more costly for buyers.

Apart from their use in ceremonies, conch shells that don’t produce sound are repurposed into bangles, known as shankha-pola, a popular choice among women in Bengal. This practice of pairing these conch shell bangles with vibrant red pola contributes to the cultural traditions without discarding shells that don’t make a sound.

In Hindu mythology, the conch known as the shankha, is revered as a symbol of creation and known as the preserver, God Vishnu. Its symbolic importance and participation in religious ceremonies are observed in various cultures. The sound produced by the conch is believed to symbolise a melodious awakening, representing the constant progress of dharma, and the teachings of Buddha.