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For the midnight Janmashtami celebrations wore one of my most treasured possessions. …a Ghatchola or Gharchola in maroon and gold on silk with large checks using silk and zari threads. It is basically a saree from the colourful state of Gujarat and is further colored in Bandhani or tie and die techniques. These checkered patterns are filled with small golden motifs of peacocks , lotus or hunan figures. Mine is a simple one with bandhani dots. The most popular combination in Gharcholas is red and white or red and green.A Gharchola saree with 52 squares is known as ‘ Bavan Bagh ‘ ‘Gharchola’ means ‘Outfit for home’, which symbolizes a newly wedded bride joining her new home. A Gharchola saree is a gift from the mother in law to the newly wedded bride, which the bride would change into as soon as she stepped into her new home. This signified that the in laws have taken the responsibility of the bride.
Here is where my story begins. Soon after the attack on Parliament in December, our troops were mobilised on the borders. I was to get married the following month. Hubby was stationed along the Gujarat – Rajasthan border. Once things cooled down a bit, he asked me what I wanted from that place. I had heard my friends talking about the famous Gharcholas of Gujarat and I expressed my desire to him. He scoured and finally brought me this from an emporium.
In the Bengali marriage traditions , there is a small function which takes place the day after the marriage called ‘Bou bhaat’ where the bride serves rice to the members of her new family with her hands. And just before that there is a sweet little ritual where the groom hands over a plate full of all the items cooked for lunch along with a saree , sindoor and alta and presents it to his newly wedded wife saying ” Aaj theke tomar bhaat kaporer bhaar nilaam ” which means from today I take the responsibility for all your needs. This was the saree that my husband gave me the day after marriage with a lifelong promise.