The hectic preparations for the annual festival of Durga Puja, the ceremonial worship of Hindu Goddess Ma Durga, have begun in full swing. If there is one such city that tops the must-visit list of every travel enthusiast this time around, it is West Bengal. The city’s streets are filled with life – colorful artworks of Goddess Durga idols, men providing the finishing touches to the pandals, the sound of religious music, fire crackers and the enticing aroma of sweets. So this Durga Puja, why not celebrate the Bengali way dressed in their beautiful traditional wear?
Ace designer Neeta Lulla created the celebrated Bengali look for one of her shows. We’ll show how you can get the look and create your own contemporary version.
Saree
West Bengal, as most saree lovers are aware, is a haven for some of the most stunning traditional sarees. There’s their famous Taant, Baluchari, Dhakai Jamdani, Katha, etc. the list is endless. But during Puja ceremonies, what we recommend is Bengali Garad silk saree. The gorgeous off-white and red combination is its trademark design. Another popular option is the Korial silk, these look similar to Garad saree because of the red-white look but the designs are slightly different.
Traditional Bengali Saree for Durga Puja
If you can’t get your hands on these gorgeous sarees, take a deep breath and just get a fancy saree in red and white combination. The Bengali look can still be achieved with these simple tips:
Saree Draping
To create the authentic look, wear the saree in the Bengali style wherein the pallu is highlighted by draping it at the front. Sometimes a set of matching dupatta is used to cover the head.
Traditional Bengali Blouse Design
Blouse
Whatever blouse design you opt for, just make sure the sleeves are slightly puffed and is of half-length.
Jewelries
Traditional gold jewelries like jhoomkas are preferred. But these are optional; if you don’t like jewelries, just skip it.
Traditional Bengali Makeup
Makeup
Get the dark kohled eyes look; it could also be done using smokey eyes. Make sure your beautiful eyes capture all the attention. For lips, it could be nude with a hint of gloss or dark red.
Bindi and Sindoor
The striking bold red bindi is the only way to go! Any Bengali look is incomplete without this bindi. If you’re married, show off your sindoor. Bold red is the right way.
Voila! Your traditional Bengali look is all ready for Durga Puja celebration.
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