Bong Mania Overloaded

Saraswati Puja might be minuscule in regards to its glamorous counterparts such as Durga Puja and Deepavali, but it is a big event in its own way, especially for students. Falling on the eve of Vasant Panchami, according to the Hindu calendar, the auspicious occasion is marked by the worship of Goddess Saraswati – the deity of knowledge and enlightenment. Though largely known as a religious festival, there is much more to the day then just Puja. Bengali students wait for Saraswati Puja so eagerly that they might not have waited for their birthday. Its a day when you get a respite from your books, flaunt your desi best and participate in the puja....for us it was a "Bong Bhalentine Day" 😊😊😊 long before the Valentines Day became trendy in India. Our fondest memory from childhood was the excitement of choosing the best from Ma's wardrobe to wear on Saraswati puja and altering her blouse with our never so perfect run stitch. It was all fun we had and thus the memories are so very special.Now at this stage of life when we are residing at the other part of the world, away from madness of the puja, still we loath in turmeric pack, dress in our yellow or white attires and attend the local Saraswati Puja celebration. Though the excitement now is vaguer than our teen years but the essence remains intact.

Saraswati Puja, also commences with the onset of ‘Basanta" or Spring Season. Spring symbolizes blooms, flowers, happiness and divine bliss. Yellow is the dominant color of this festival as it signifies the ripening of fruits and crops. . So people prefer to wear yellow on this day to usher in brightness into their lives. As a tribute to the season and the festival, here's how I have styled Sanchita for the upcoming Saraswati Puja.

She is wearing a vibrant yellow silk saree with dense all over #Kantha work. Apart from the color of the saree, the floral motifs of the embroidery perfectly marries the mood of the season. This saree is one of our favorites bought from Shantiniketan, Bolpur, and as you know we have a huge weakness for kantha sarees, thus it was top pick for this look. These sarees are fully hand embroidered on Bangalore silk yards. These intricate pinwheel (টগর ) flower motifs are very traditional apart from bird, lotus and alpana kantha designs. These টগর কাঁথা (pinwheel kantha) work involve months of hard labour and skill of kantha artisans. If you have missed our previous post on Nakshi Kantha sarees please do click here to read. It will give you a more detailed insight into intricate Kantha work on sarees.

We wanted to keep the styling of the saree simple as the main puja is an early morning event. Thus dressed it down with the matching blouse but a contrast long green faux pearl necklace and earrings. The makeup was kept classic too with kohl smudged eyes and bright red lips. But you can easily carry this look in the evening by opting for a contrast green or red blouse.

And last but not the least never underestimate the power of roses! Sanchita just dressed up I just knew instantly that this look is incomplete without those bright yellow roses, so just tucked few of them in her hair to finish the look.

Few more tips to end with!

Wear lighter sarees as you might have to run around giving pushpanjali(prayers and offerings to the Goddess) and be comfortable for long addas. Avoid heavier weaves like kanjeevarams.
Its not mandatory to wear yellow or white for the puja, but it only adds in to the festive spirit. So don't kill yourself if you don't have one to drape, wear whichever saree you feel comfortable in. You can alternatively add yellow accessories like bag or jewelries as it matches with the outfit.
You can opt for longer sleeve blouse if weather permits as its probably the last festival in the year before the thermometer chases up.
You can incorporate a jacket or shawl with the saree if its chilly outside. It will enhance the saree look even more.
Flowers add in fragrance and freshness to the look in the morning, incorporate them in your look if you can.
Apply lot of sunscreen and go easy on base makeup as its a morning event. Choose shades of lipstick and blush which brightens up your face to match the onset of Spring season.