#3/100

Saree and different styles of saree draping has had a special place in the culture of Bengal. Within this the “Lal Paar” or red bordered saree with a white/off white body holds a special place for its association with rituals, festivity et al . One of the important occasions associated with the Red Border Saree is the Vijaya Dashami day – where married ladies offer Sindur (Vermillion) and sweets to Goddess Durga seeking her blessings and bidding her a goodbye – and then get engaged in what is called as “Sindur Khela” – wherein they offer sindur and sweets to each other and celebrate the culmination of the 10 days of Durga Puja festivities.

Bengali ladies draped in red border sarees smeared with Sindur all over their face – creates a spectacular canvas – and is a delight for shutterbugs – in all Durga Puja Pandals across the world on the morning of the Vijaya Dashami. The picture attached is from Durga Puja of 2014 clicked at my parents’residence in North Kolkata. This particular tussar saree belongs to my mom.