Sari picks for Boishakh

Although Boishakh has traditionally been synonymous with red and white, there are only so many options you have for that combination. Boishakh is about new beginnings and nothing speaks of new beginnings better than colours, which is exactly why one must feel free to go ahead and experiment with colours while keeping it traditional.

We went to one of the most popular sari-store hubs in the city, Bailey Road, to see what the stores have on offer this Boishakh.

First up in the hub was Tangail Taant Ghar. The store is experimenting this year and has designs that are not strictly reminiscent of Boishakh, but are still traditional enough, sticking to the essence of the festival. These designs include a grey, chequered reshmi silk with large pink blossom appliqués stitched across the body, priced Tk.3,500. There are also conventional block-printed saris with a twist in the form of appliqué work, which will appeal to many at Tk.1,750. A peacock-blue sari with beige 'paar' with matching blue paisley motifs accompanied by a multicoloured 'anchal' very reminiscent of a peacock flaunting its tail can be picked up for Tk.2,200.

For variations to the traditional white sari with a red 'paar', Jesmine Consortium has South Indian Savera Katan in off-white with a wide, red 'paar' embellished with light golden threadwork throughout. Although this sari comes at a steep price of around Tk.6,000, it is one of those saris to die for -- simple, classy and absolutely elegant. At this store you will also find a beige 'katan' with a dark green and red 'paar'; chic but more apt for those who are a little further along in their years.

For red and white buffs who are looking for something a little more reasonable or for a sari solely for Boishakh, Priyadarshini is the place for you. Although they are yet to roll out more of their Boishakh collection, you can take a look at the traditional taant saris they have with tiny golden embellishments and a light red 'paar', which when seen from afar looks like white and pink.

Sajani has a white, light-weight Muslin with threadwork all over. This store also has Indian silk and you will have a range of choices among these, the best of which are a navy blue sari with multi-colour stripes and another one with polka dots on magenta. All three of these come for around Tk.2,700.

Finally, if you want something fancy take a look at M-craft's collection of Muslins with heavy appliqué in a variety of colours including red, green and white. They also have half-silk saris in traditional designs which might appeal to you. But keep in mind that saris at this store come at premium prices of Tk.5,000 and above. M-craft is located at Sunrise Plaza as well as Bailey Road and also has an outlet in Chittagong.

All these stores will certainly offer greater variety of saris as the day of Pohela Boishakh draws nearer. It may be a good idea to wait a few days before you go looking for that special garb.