The panjabi for Shab-e-barat

The rule of thumb — everything you wear must reflect your inner-self, and everything you don must suit the occasion.

Initially worn by both men and women, especially in the region of Punjab, it sparked interest with the flow of time, and the Panjabi travelled beyond boundaries and came to this region. Whatever the historical narrative maybe, our signature panjabis are so distinct from all other regional variants that we can easily call it our very own.

The Bangladeshi man has embraced the panjabi in all its forms, but to help you choose one befitting the sanctity of Shab-e-barat, here are some tips that might come in handy.

As differences of opinion regarding the observance of Shab-e-barat exist, one must be careful in selecting the right garb, depending on which school of opinion you follow. One must also bear in mind that all religious, or beliefs of a higher being, are at core a very personal experience which calls for respect from all quarters.

What you wear influences your mood, and thus a vibrant panjabi in a congregational prayer at the mosque will seem out of place in a sea of somber alternatives. If however, you chose to spend the night home, or visiting relatives, choose one that takes the sobriety a notch lower. 

Keep the hot, humid temperature in mind. While some mosques are now air conditioned, the extra attendees might generate some heat. So keep comfort in mind.

Plan on wearing loose-fit, cotton panjabis that ensure all the comfort in the world, and one that will add to the spiritual aura of the evening.

White on white, that is white embroidery on white fabric, looks infinitely sophisticated.

A panjabi can be also be paired with a vest or a Nehru Collar sleeveless jacket. The hues of the coat and the jacket can vary.

Slim fits are perfect for accentuating your physique and style statement, but for an evening like this, move away.

Remember, the pajama you pair with the panjabi is as important. White is the way to go; leave out the churidars and slim cuts; this includes the denim pants too.

The shortest form of panjabi almost impersonating the western shirt is the fatua. While the fatua may work perfectly well in a social gathering, when attending to the spiritual aspect of the night, leave it out as well.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Rabbi

Wardrobe: Kumudini

Make-up: Noyon Ahamed

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha