Bengali women are the epitome of beauty. For decades, they have been worshipped as the ultimate symbol of power, creation and elegance in countless literature, documentaries, mainstream media and movies. However, one thing that remains common across all these platforms is dusky, curly-haired women clad in “laal paar shada shari” (a white saree with a red border).
While laal paar shada shari is an integral part of the Bengali wardrobe, yet Bengali fashion is not restricted to just white sarees with red borders. These sarees highlight the essence of Bengali natural beauty. Every Bollywood movie depicts so-called Bengali women wearing white sarees with red borders even on wedding functions and receptions. But this ethnic wear has its own rustic charm and are worn only on specific occasions. Let us understand the nuances of laal paar shada shari as per Bengali traditions.
A Symbol of Marital Bliss
White sarees with red borders are meant for married women. The significance of white sarees with red borders is immensely high for married ladies. Widows, unfortunately, do not have the right to adorn the colour red. All those ladies who are blessed to have their husbands by their side wear laal paar shada shari and adorn accessories such as shakha (white bangles made using conch shells) and pola(red bangles made using corals). The centre of attraction is the crimson sindoor on the forehead, which offers a surreal elegance to the overall beauty of the wearer.
Occasions on Which Laal Paar Shada Shari is Adorned
- Haldi or gaaye holud: While the rest of India brides prefer wearing yellow attires for their Haldi ceremony, Bengali brides are indeed different. They believe in highlighting the joyful colour of haldi by wearing white sarees with red borders. The white colour offers the perfect contrast to the bright and vivid yellow colour of haldi.
- Shidoor khela: Laal paar shada shari is an integral part of shidur khela. It is one of the most special days for all the married Bengali women during Durga Puja. Everyone adorns red and white sarees and offer their blessings, good wishes and sweets to the Daughter of Earth – Durga. Afterwards, all of them enjoy shidur khela, or sort of Holi where only red sindoor is used as the colour.
- Hawan: During hawan at home or office, Bengali women prefer wearing simple yet graceful white sarees with red border.
Different Types of Laal Paar Shada Shari
These sarees are available in different fabrics. The look and price of the sarees depend on the fabric they are made of.
- Cotton: The cotton white and red sarees are quite simple in appearance and also cost just a few hundred rupees. Villagers prefer wearing cotton based white and red sarees.
- Tant: These sarees often have a cotton white base, while the red borders have golden zari work. Small red motifs highlight the beauty of the overall attire.
- Garad: The white base is made of silk while the red border is quite wide. The pallav is striped and looks artistically beautiful. Modern sarees also have striped red borders. Exquisite golden and red motifs are woven across the white silk base.
- Jamdani: If you are looking for grandeur then a Jamdani-based white and red saree will be the ideal option for you. Silk cotton is used to make the white base, while simple polka, floral designs and intricate paisley are used to add to the aesthetics of the attire.
- Tasshar: Such sarees have a beige or off-white shade which is enhanced by adding a dash of golden lustre. The red borders have intricate golden patterns. The entire saree has elegant motifs woven all over.
- Muslin: Muslin laal paar shada shari is quite expensive. However, they look regal and classy. Muslin sarees look opulent and feel extremely light. The fabric is body-hugging and can offer an elegantly appealing sensual look to the wearer.
- Baluchari: These sarees are lightweight, and when draped aptly, and look extremely elegant. Motifs from religious texts and ancient tales are woven across the red borders. Gold zari is also used time and again over the red borders.
- Benarasi: Try these lavish silk sarees, which are available in both white and off-white colours. Heavy silver and golden embellishments are used to highlight the beauty of broad red borders.
Wrapping Up
Laal paar shaada shari makes every Bong woman look astonishingly beautiful. The simplicity of design and colour combination emphasises the rustic and simple culture and traditions of Bengali folks. When in West Bengal, do attend a pooja, or hawan or the grand Durga Puja to witness the charm of white sarees with red borders.