The nine days of Durga Puja are associated with worship and devotion. It’s the fight of good against evil, and it’s also the welcoming of a daughter back to her home. There’s pandal-hopping, fun with friends and family, feasting, wearing new clothes while giving Pushpanjali, and so much more.
While food, fun, pandals, and events are multifaceted and heavily covered, fashion is mostly subjective. However, there’s one item of clothing that we immediately associate with this auspicious occasion. It’s the gorgeous Lal par Sada saree in Jamdani weave!
So, let’s explore the significance and history of this iconic colour combination, and find out how designers today are reinterpreting it!
Cultural Significance of the Lal Par Sada Saree
Worn by Bengali women during Durga Puja, the Lal par Sada saree has deep cultural significance, steeped in centuries of traditions. You will mostly see women don this saree during the last day of the festival on Vijayadashami for the sindoor khela ritual.
Now, let us take a closer look at what makes the white saree with red border so important:
- Symbolism: The red border represents energy and power. It also reflects the blessings of the Goddess Durga. Meanwhile, white symbolizes femininity and purity. This is also why the Lal par saree is common during weddings, especially for the bride who wears it during the Haldi ceremony. In some pandals, you will notice that even the idol is dressed up in a Lal par Sada saree!
- Tradition: Durga represents strength and empowerment. Since her idols usually wore the Lal par saree, women started to wear it too, and slowly it became an integral part of Bengali culture. So, today, the Lal par Sada Jamdani saree is worn to honour Durga. It’s an embodiment of womanhood, Indian heritage, and devotion.
- Community: If you belong to a family or neighborhood that celebrates Durga Puja, you must have noticed how the women in your family wear the Lal par saree on the last day. It’s almost like a uniform, or an unspoken tradition! But there’s a deeper meaning for married women who wear the saree during sindoor khela. They aren’t merely joyfully smearing red sindoor on each other and bidding goodbye to the goddess. The very act represents the victory of good over evil and symbolises unity and marital bliss.
- Generational importance: Often, grandmothers pass down heirloom sarees to their daughters and granddaughters. A handloom Jamdani saree in this colour pattern is a common heirloom, especially if it’s the younger member’s first Durga Puja as a married woman.
The History of Lal Par Sada Saree
While much of the story about the origin of this traditional Bengali saree is shrouded in confusion, there are a few prevalent theories.
- Ancient dyeing method: The red border originated in ancient Bengal, according to this theory. The local silk or cotton thaan was handwoven, and natural pigments were used to embellish it. This was a more cost-effective solution, and vermillion was often used for this purpose. Cinnabar, which was ground to make sindoor, was also used to dye the saree’s borders.
- Zamindari restrictions: According to this theory, women’s marital status was indicated by their sarees. Given that women in earlier times often married at a young age and could become widows early as well, distinguishing between different marital statuses was not always straightforward. Most sarees were made from a white cloth, so the widows wore completely white sarees, while the married women wore the same with a red border.
The colour code also stood for fertility and auspiciousness. Therefore, it’s commonly believed that since it became such a uniform for married women, they began to wear it for all types of occasions, especially Durga Puja. After all, the goddess is also worshipped as Lord Shiva’s consort.
The Modern Durga Puja Classic
In most ancient designs, the Lal par Sada saree is simple. Today, some of the best saree shops in Kolkata are experimenting with fabrics and patterns, and they’re introducing a new generation to the beauty of this saree!
- Innovative fabrics: Designers today experiment with fabrics like organza, silk, and chiffon. They are adding intricate embroidery, Zari work, and modern motifs to add a contemporary twist to the traditional saree.
- Interesting motifs and patterns: Brands offering Kolkata sarees online, like Katha: A Tale of Weaves, are creating some amazing designs with the classic style. From geometric patterns and floral stripes to minimalist paisley borders to putul motifs, brands are adding extremely interesting twists to this ancient weave!
The Lal par Sada saree jamdani is a true symbol of Bengal’s cultural heritage. This traditional Bengali saree continues to unite generations. With new fabrics and motifs, the Lal par Sada saree remains a cherished icon of womanhood and the spirit of Durga Puja.
FAQs
Q: What is a Lal par Sada saree jamdani?
A: The Lal par Sada saree jamdani is a traditional Bengali saree, featuring a white base with a vibrant red border, crafted in the intricate Jamdani weave. It is especially popular during Durga Puja and other auspicious occasions.
Q: Why is the Lal par Sada saree significant during Durga Puja?
A: This saree symbolizes purity, power, and devotion. Bengali women traditionally wear it during Durga Puja, especially for rituals like sindoor khela, to honor the goddess and celebrate community and marital bliss.
Q: Where can I buy authentic Lal par Sada saree jamdani?
A: You can find genuine Lal par Sada saree jamdani at the best saree shops in Kolkata and through Kolkata saree online stores, such as Katha: A Tale of Weaves.
Q: How are modern designers reimagining the Lal par Sada saree?
A: Contemporary brands are experimenting with new fabrics, embroidery, and motifs, blending tradition with modern aesthetics to appeal to a new generation of saree lovers
