The Bengali Bride Look Decoded for 2022
The Bengali bride look is a classic and traditional bridal look that is handed down intact from the zamindari past of the state. There are several elements and features of this look that Bengali brides still hold dear till today. What are they and how have they changed for 2022? Read on!
Red Benarasi Sari
The first thing you will notice about the quintessential Bengali bou is the red Benarasi sari. The red Benarasi will not be exchanged for the ghagra choli or any other type of sari, ever! It’s unthinkable to the traditional Bengali bride. This red sari is a sign of prosperity, good luck and balance in married life.
Sonar Mukut
This is a golden crown worn by the Bengali bride, though nowadays it is replaced by an imitation as people cannot afford it in pure gold. This adds a regal touch and gives the bride the look of a queen! In 2022 we can expect this to make a comeback as things of the past usually come back in fashion. So wear the sonar mukut with élan.
Chandan and Vermillion Designs
Every Bengali bride’s face is decorated with these typical designs made from Chandan and kumkum which is vermillion. From paisley designs to simple dots, the designs are made on the forehead, the cheeks, and the chin. In the past brides would weep during the marriage so the designs would wash off, hence, they are now put only on the forehead.
Topor
This is a pure white crown worn by Bengali brides that signify new beginnings and auspicious moments. Both the groom and the bride wear this topor, and it is a classic symbol of the Bengali wedding ceremony. In 2022 we don’t see brides opting out of this traditional getup as it is the mark of the wedding.
Accessories
Every Bengali bridal look is incomplete without the gamut of jewellery. Brides will wear kaan pasha, jhumko, nolok, ratanchuri, tikli, matha patti, kaan baala and other traditional ornaments handed down from their mothers and grandmothers. Nowadays, the modern bride will eschew all of these traditional jewels for some of them as they don’t like the show of opulence in these trying times. Or else they will wear imitations.
Hair Bun
The Bengali bou seldom experiments with the hairstyle as the sonar mukut and the topor demand that she wears a sensible bun tied at the back of her head. To the bun is added a bun pin which is a relic from Bengal’s zamindari past.
Shaka Paula and Loha
The last item in decoding the Bengali bridal look is the Shanka Paula and the Loha. These red-white-and iron bangles are symbols of a married woman and are worn for one year after the wedding. If they break it is considered bad luck so women keep them very carefully. In 2022 this is not likely to change at all as it is a matter of pride!
Conclusion
The modern Bengali bride will still stick to her roots as it is a sign of respect to her ancestors and community. However, there can be plenty of sartorial twists and experiments in the other ceremonies like the haldi, bidai, and bou bhaat.