A SERENADE for saris
Derived from the Sanskrit word "sati", which essentially means a strip of cloth, modern day saris have come a long way. Evolving from basic everyday wear, the sari has established itself as a predominant piece of clothing in every South Asian woman's wardrobe. It has embodied the Bengali beauty like no other. Come Eid, saris find a renewed fervour as women of all ages rush to stores to get the best pick.
Derived from the Sanskrit word “sati”, which essentially means a strip of cloth, modern day saris have come a long way. Evolving from basic everyday wear, the sari has established itself as a predominant piece of clothing in every South Asian woman's wardrobe. It has embodied the Bengali beauty like no other. Come Eid, saris find a renewed fervour as women of all ages rush to stores to get the best pick.
Bailey Road
France has Champs-Élysées, England has Oxford Street and a road that signifies the Bengali spirit is Bailey Road. Shopping here is a treat and with Eid knocking at the turn of the month; all shops are lining up their best fare for customers.
Specialising in Bengali saris such as Jamdani, and taant, shop after shop lining either side of the road offers you any colour or design imaginable. The cotton saris are often embellished with ornate paars and anchals elevating them from simple cotton to an elegant dressy affair. Prices start as low as Tk. 1000.
Bailey Road is a one-stop shop for almost any sari that you are looking for and especially prides itself in the abundance of local saris such as Jamdani, taant, Rajshahi silk and plain cotton saris.
Mirpur Benarasi Palli
Not only famous in Bangladesh, the fame of Mirpur Benarasi Palli has percolated all the way to India and Pakistan. Specialising in Benarasi saris, the glitz and glamour associated with the saris are evident the moment you set foot into the streets of Mirpur 10's Benarasi Palli.
Originally from Benaras in Bihar, the weavers have long since made this place their home and there is no end to the wondrous fare these shops and their keepers have on show. From the gilded katan, to heavy 'zardosi' work weaved into the sari, to the more close to home gossamer and intricate Jamdani -- the more than 110 shops that line the streets here will have something for you. The prices are negotiable and often go high into five figures.
Aarong
Requiring no introduction, Aarong has prided itself in showcasing local products and materials in their designs and this is evident in their sari collection as well. So if you are looking for a convenient place to shop instead of venturing far and out to Gausia, Bailey Road or Mirpur, Aarong is your answer.
With a section solely dedicated to saris you will be hard-pressed in making your pick. Blending deshi with the modern is something that Aarong does best and it is reflected in their saris as well. Cottons in muted colours, Rajshahi silk hand-paints with intricate brush strokes, Jamdani blended with hand embroidery and katans with gold paar woven in make Aarong a much deserved favourite for many.
Prices at Aarong start around Tk. 1000 and go up to Tk. 80,000 for the exclusive sari range. With outlets almost everywhere in Dhaka city, pick your closest Aarong and shop till you drop.
Aranya
If you are looking for something distinctive this Eid, then Aranya will be worth a shot. With an outlet now in Dhanmondi, Aranya is now reaching out to a broader audience. They specialise in incorporating natural dyes in their fabrics and showcase uniquely ethnic, almost rustic designs with their colour palette also running through more muted lines of brown, faded red, white, beige and so on. The range is also boastful to say the least – kantha stitch, Jamdani, half-silk, silk, endi-cotton and crepe. With prices starting around Tk. 5000, saris from Aranya promise to throw the spotlight on you.
Dhaka has many boutiques and stores that specialise in saris and you will find your wallet being squeezed as you drive through the day in the hope of procuring that special sari all the while adding more and more saris to your shopping bag. Saris -- you name it, Dhaka has it!
Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel
Model: Naushin, Safa, Hridi
Wardrobe: Deshal
Jewellery: Revaj
Make-up: Farzana Shakil
Styling: Tabassum Anila Hridi
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