Under my Umbrella
I do not like it when 'raindrops keep falling on my head'. I prefer being 'under my umbrella'. I like everything about umbrellas- well, except the superstition that an open umbrella indoors brings bad luck! Aside from the sheer functionality, umbrella can be such a fantastic fashion accessory. There are so many different designs and colours to choose from.
Umbrellas are incredibly useful in almost all weather situations, not just the rain. During those awful moments when the sun is blazing overhead and there are no clouds in sight, the umbrella acts as a portable shade, protecting you and your delicate skin from radiation. In cases of dust storm, the umbrella can be used as a shield to protect you from the dust and other detritus that litters the streets of Bangladesh. The umbrella can also be used as a semi-effective self defense weapon if circumstances permit. It surely has helped me at times.
As you know umbrellas come in all shapes and sizes but generally they are not something that most people think about. Imagine an umbrella in your mind and nine times out of ten, you will be thinking about the generic black umbrella with a hook at the end. There is more to umbrellas than meets the eye. Umbrellas come in a wide variety of types, colours and uses and each of them can be used to accentuate a funky aspect of your personality.
Classic umbrellas are the ones that immediately come to mind. They are almost always black without any embossments. They are designed to hold up well in windy weather but quality does matter. Cheaper ones are liable to break if the wind is too strong. These umbrellas must be operated manually and do not have collapsible shafts.
Automatic umbrellas can open up with the push of a button and have a telescopic shaft. These umbrellas nowadays can come in a variety of colours and styles – from bright colours to floral prints and even cartoon and animal themed umbrellas. Find the right fit for you and your style and turn heads wherever you go. One of the most eye catching things on a dreary Dhaka city day is a beautiful umbrella.
Designer umbrellas are high end umbrellas blazing with creativity. While these umbrellas aren't typically available in Dhaka, you can ask to get a few from abroad. These umbrellas have beautifully decorated tents and sometimes even come with ornately designed or carved shafts. These umbrellas are much more expensive than other versions, with some even going so far as a 1000 pounds each.
Finally, compact umbrellas as the name implies are small. They are perfect for keeping stored away in your school bag or office briefcase and are the ultimate solution to a sudden rainshower. One caveat about this type of umbrellas is that, due to their small size, they are typically not very durable and can break easily even in slight gusts.
Umbrellas can be found in all large markets in the city. New Market and Town Hall Bazaar offers a great selection for budding umbrella enthusiasts, with a wide variety of styles to choose from. Higher end umbrellas can be found at Ecstasy, Khazana as well as other similar stores. However, if you are going to be buying an umbrella, know that it is better to spend a bit more on quality than buying the cheapest thing available. Umbrellas are for the long haul and there is nothing more frustrating than having an umbrella break apart in your hands as you try to open it. Thus, choose wisely!
By Mormee Mahtab
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed