What to try instead of traditional red and white in this year's Pohela Boishakh?

You might be scrolling through social media and find that on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh, most people are wearing traditional red and white attire. While the colours are symbolic to the tradition, it's not the only way to express yourself. Pohela Boishakh is just around the corner, and people are starting to feel the vibe in the weather.

Our mother nature is getting ready to embrace the new Bengali year, and so is our people. It's about letting go of past lessons and memories, and welcoming the new Bangla year with joy and prosperity for all.

Many people aim to style their outfits in traditional red and white to connect with our roots and Bangaliana style. It's less a rule than a cultural habit among Bengalis.

As the years go by, noticeable changes are observed in the colour choices for this festive season. While the combination of red and white looks timeless and signals celebration, vibrant hues, pastels, and soft tones are emerging, reflecting a shift toward traditional colours. So, if you are one of them, take a look at these colours to try this Pohela Boishakh and capture the spirits of the Bengali New Year, just in a different shade.

Vibrant yellow and orange

Yellow might be known as the colour of spring (Pohela Phalgun), but it also blends well with Boishakh aesthetics. The eye-catching colour mimics marigolds or mustard flowers, which match the bright, festive celebration of the Bengali people. Women wearing a yellow or 'Bashonti' colour saree with marigold flowers or roses as hair ornaments, and men wearing panjabis, add an energetic and cheerful tone.

Earthy tone

Burnt orange, terracotta, brick red, sandy beige, or dark brown- these tones create stunning looksfor its deep connection with the soil of the motherland and our culture.

People are moving away from traditional colours and finding new inspiration in representing our culture and our people. The earthy colours symbolise the clay and terracotta art of our rural culture. These colours pair well with wooden bangles, terracotta jewellery, and dark-colored accessories.

The color of mother nature

If we shift into the tones of green, we will get dark or lighter shades, giving more of a subtle or bold look. The colour of nature, new plants, and leaves in this season symbolise the start of a fresh new chapter of life. Green shade can help coordinate with the theme of the Bengali New Year. From dark green, bottle green, apple green to pistachio or olives- anyone can add this into their colour palette with golden or silver patterns and create creative looks.

Pastel colours

The harsh, humid weather in our country sometimes makes it unbearable to wear bold, heavy colours to create a festive look. For those who want to get out of this mess, pastels can be a great option for a softer style. Colours like powder blue, baby pink, mint green, yellow, and peach will not only make the outfit look dreamy but also not overwhelming. The eye-soothing palette is very popular among the younger generation and suits those who prefer a soft look over a bold one.

Purple and blues

Blue has its own personality, its own imagination. The shades of sky or the glistening river water; the colours already look dreamy and speak for themselves. Sky blue, royal blue, teal, or indigo- the color coordination can instantly look refreshing and calm. For a daytime outing, cool blue colours immediately take their place on the list.

Purple is better for those going for a minimalist, natural look. The colour itself is light, calm, and not heavy on the eyes. Accessorising with colours like lavender, lilac, violet, wine, berry, and magenta, paired with matching bold clothing pieces and jewellery, can elevate the whole look.

Multicolour

It's all about choosing different shades and making them work together. Instead of the two colour rule, go for multiple shades in your clothing. In the case of multicolour clothing, patterns like rickshaw art, floral patterns, stitches, shapes, block print, hand print, etc., are noticeable.

These patterns pop the colours more, and clothing pieces look more detailed and striking. By creating a moodboard, you can explore different shades and express your creativity.

Breaking the tradition of wearing red and white is not about breaking a rule; it's about expressing one's personality and celebrating and welcoming the Bengali New Year in one's own style.

Pohela Boishakh itself has a special place in our hearts, so why not make this celebration even more dynamic by bringing out our own style and colours? Whether it's earthy tones or pastels, it brings out one truth: to live your life with your own shades of colour.

spurba2003@gmail.com