Papidi billa is the Telugu version of maang tikka. It is traditional south Indian head jewelry. Papidi billa is an essential piece of hair accessory brides wear on their wedding day. People believe maang tikka protects the bride from the evil eye and other negative energies. These tikkas mostly have a chain with a hook on one end and a big pendant on the other, worn usually by parting the hair. You will spot women of all ages wearing papidi billa for occasions like sangeet, haldi and mehendi.