Traditional Dress of West Bengal

West Bengal is recognized for its natural beauty, history, culture, and customs. The Legacy of Bengal derives from different things. It includes traditional techniques of weaving, embroidery, and stitching. These legacies are still in practice in present-day West Bengal and Bangladesh. The only addition is how today’s world dressing is merged with traditional styles of dressing.  Traditional Dress of West Bengal

Let’s dive into the traditional dress of West Bengal.

More About Paschim Bengal

West Bengal is a state that has produced works of art, literature, music, and film. West Bengal is also the birthplace of great individuals like Satyajit Ray, Subhash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, and many more. Apart, from all this, the state is also popular for its dishes like Rosogolla, Sandesh, and fish curry. But what makes this place truly admirable is that the people still wear the traditional dress of West Bengal.

Traditional Dress of West Bengal for Women

1. Dupattas

Though the traditional dress of West Bengal for women is the saree, some modern choices include kurtas and salwars, paired with stunning dupattas. These are made using traditional weaves, motifs, and colours. These are made using different fabrics like cotton, silk, and other fabrics. They are carried in desi style with elegance and sophistication.

2. Sarees

When you hear Bengali women, the first thing that comes to your mind is the six yards of elegance that define the Bengali saree and beauty. The saree is made of pure cotton or silk using original motifs. The beautiful drapes of the Bengali saree have their unique charm, which looks sensuous and pretty at the same time. Here are some of the best types of Bengali sarees worn by women as the traditional dress of West Bengal

3.Dhakai Jamdani

As the name suggests, this stunning saree was believed to have originated from Dhaka. The unique charm of Jamdani sarees is defined by the use of a thousand emeralds known as “Panna hazar.” These are very delicate patterns weaved using gold and silver threads in the shape of flowers and other natural designs. The Jamdani technique is made after hard labour and it is time-consuming. Thus, worth every penny. 

4. Korial and Garad

Garad is a white traditional Bengali saree with a bright red border. The red stripes in the pallu offset against the undyed white silk. These sarees also signify religious beliefs. Garad sarees also have another Korial saree with intricate buti or flower patterns in the body. These are worn popularly during the Durga Pooja, weddings and other religious ceremonies. Women also pair these plain sarees with Bengali ivory/conch shells and red lacquer bangles. Garad sarees are just the epitome of grace and authentic Bengali beauty.

5 Baluchari Sarees

Balachuri sarees originated from a small town named Blaachuri near Murshidabad district. These sarees are made using very fine silk. These sarees are considered as heirloom pieces. Balachuri sarees have beautiful gold embroidery which signifies religious and historical patterns inspired by Indian Mythology.
Another name for these sarees is known as ‘swarnachari’ sarees. They also have a bright gold hue in the embroidery. The work on the pallu of the saree is so intricate and eye-catchy. This is one of the reasons why it is often left unpleated revealing the full design.

6.Tant Sarees

The name of the loom on which they’re woven is known as Tant, thus, the name. These are very popular in Bengal. Women can drape these beautiful sarees very easily and effortlessly as they are very lightweight. They are just perfect for the hot and humid climate of Bengal. Being one of the traditional dresses of West Bengal, they have also motifs of paisleys and flowers in the solid coloured border. Tant sarees are the epitome of Bengali handloom culture and are perfect for daily wear

7. Tussar Silk Sarees

It is a popular silk saree of the Malda district of West Bengal. Tussar silk has a more textured surface compared to authentic silk and is used as a base for weaving intricate Jamdanis or Balachuris. Also, pure tussar silk sarees have solid colours further enhanced by a golden sheen of the silk.

8. Muslin Cotton

Muslin cotton is known for its simplicity. These are the finest, softest fabrics to touch. They’re made using soft pastel colours, delicate patterns, and starched. Basically, these sarees are the epitome of luxury and class. They’re available in different ranges from affordable to costly. 

9. Kantha Silks and Cottons

Kantha is an embroidery famous in the Shantiniketan region of Bengal. These are special due to their running stitches in bright hues. Kantha sarees are woven by hand and they can be lightweight or heavy depending on the delicate, intricate designs on cotton or silk. The special embroidery is used to create different linen items like bedcovers, cushions and quilts

10. Murshidabad Silk Saree

These silk sarees are of the finest quality used to make stunning sarees in bright colours with traditional block printing patterns. These are known as ‘batik’ designs. These designs are made of wax, and dyed in bright hues. The name Murshidabad happens because this is the town that is known for its successful silk production industry.

Traditional Dress of West Bengal for Men

Dhoti and Panjabi

Dhoti and Panjabi is a traditional dress of West Bengal for men. This traditional dress for men is known as ‘Panjabi.’ It is similar to a north-Indian kurta, often paired with a dhoti. This dhoti is a plain cloth made of cotton or silk. 
Panjabis can be either short or long ending up to the knees. But the difference between Panjabis and the usual kurta is the use of Bengali fabric. The different fabrics range from tussar silk, cotton-silk or muga-silk embroidered with kantha. Garad silk kurtas in shades of beige, cream and honey are worn as the wedding dress for the groom. 

Wrapping Up

Traditional dresses of West Bengal are made using traditional handloom methods of weaves and spin, passed from one generation to another. This is like carrying out the legacy of old traditions into the new world. Traditional dress of West Bengal is also popular in today’s Western world and paired beautifully.

Go ahead and enjoy some premium quality handloom silk sarees from West Bengal as a souvenir. These dresses will be your heirloom piece with their intricate designs, different patterns and bright colours.