The Bengali saree is a beauty symbol, tradition.With its unique style, the Bengali saree brings sophistication and poise to every woman who wears it.
Introduction to Bengali Saree
The Bengali saree is an age-old piece of attire that has been worshiped for decades in Bengal, a province of eastern India. It is well known for its elegance and distinct fashion sense of draping. It is greatly worn by Bengali women, especially during festivals, weddings, and social occasions.It is what gives the Bengali saree uniqueness over other ancient saree styles of draping in that it boasts a particular pleats neatly folded and the pallu, which is draped over the left shoulder and in some cases brought forward over the right shoulder flowing graciously.
Besides that, the Bengali saree may even sport a wide border, elegant motifs, and brilliant colors. The fabric itself might be silk or cotton, and especially silk during special occasions. Saree is not merely an attire but also a history in which it unites the women of today with the wealthy cultural heritage of Bengal.
Step By Step Guide on How to Wear a Bengali Style Saree
Wearing a Bengali saree is an art that calls for attention to detail. The following are a series of steps you can follow to learn how to get the perfect Bengali saree drape:
Get the Things You Need to Wear a Bengali Saree
Before you start wrapping the saree, ensure you have all the items you need:
1. Saree: Select a Bengali saree according to the occasion. Whether it’s a regular cotton saree for daily use or a fancy silk saree for an event, ensure that the saree is clean and well fitted according to your size.
2. Blouse: The well-fitted blouse goes a long way in giving the Bengali saree appearance. Go for a well-fitted blouse that closely wraps around your body and is a perfect combination with the saree.
3. Petticoat: You put on the petticoat under the saree to provide the shade and volume. Get a petticoat of the same shade of color as the saree so that you cannot see it through.
4. Safety Pins: You require safety pins to secure the pleats and pallu. Don’t forget to keep spares handy if you require any alterations.
5. Footwear: Wear footwear that is comfortable and stylish. Bengali sarees usually are worn along with traditional sandals or heels, depending on the occasion.
6. Accessories: Add finishing touches with jewelry such as bangles, earrings, and a traditional bindi. For an authentic Bengali look, consider adding a ‘sindoor’ (vermillion) and decorative hair accessory.
Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to begin the draping process.
Step 1: Wear the Petticoat and Blouse
Begin with a matching petticoat, which will serve as the foundation for draping the saree. The petticoat must be worn tightly around your waist. Second, wear a blouse appropriate for the saree and of correct fit.
Step 2: Tuck the Saree into the Petticoat
Hold the saree, and first, fold the plain end (non-decorative end) into the petticoat around your waist. Ensure that the saree is folded smoothly and the material is flat. The saree should be of the same height from the floor to the ground. Ensure that the saree is fitted such that it covers your toes but provides room for walking.
Step 3: Create Pleats
The most striking feature of a Bengali saree is its neat pleats. Take the saree fabric and fold pleats in the front, leaving them approximately 3 to 4 inches wide. Make the pleats even and in alignment. Once the pleats are folded, hold them together and pin them in the center with a safety pin so that they do not get separated.
Step 4: Drape the Pallu
Let us move on to the pallu. The Bengali saree pallu is usually longer and draped beautifully over the left shoulder with the pallu cascading down at the back. To achieve this, fold your pallu around your back so that it falls across your left shoulder, cascading down the back. Allow your pallu to cascade beautifully, and push it to the spot of your preference depending on your body type.
Step 5: Holding the Pleats in Place
After making the pleats and draping them over the pallu, pin the pleats and pallu with a safety pin to hold them in place. That way, they will remain in position during the day. If needed, also pin the pallu at the shoulder.
Step 6: Style and Adjust
Fold the pleats towards the front in a manner so that they are even and fold into position naturally. A Bengali saree drape depends on having neat pleats and the pallu flowing elegantly without a single hump or unbecoming fold.Ensure your saree does not fit too tightly or too loosely, and then make all adjustments to perfection with meticulous care.
Step 7: Finish with Accessories
After the saree is perfectly draped, the finishing touches need to be applied in the form of accessories. You can use some classic Bengali jewelry in the form of gold or silver bangles, earrings, and a choker-type of necklace. Don’t forget to top it off with a ‘mang tikka’ (headpiece) and a decorative bindi for the added zing.
Conclusion
A salute to tradition, culture, and everlasting beauty in the donning of a Bengali saree. By doing this, you can become a pro at draping a Bengali saree and present the charm of this antique clothing. The key lies in the details—get sharp pleats, drape the pallu well, and add accessories with traditional flair. Whatever the occasion you select to adorn yourself with it, whether a celebration, a wedding, or a special day, Bengali saree will always make you feel as though you’re rejoicing in the grandeur of Indian heritage.