As the late afternoon sun sets on the horizon leaving a blue sky aglow with crimson haze, it sets the tone for the evening. "Holud Shondha", as it was called back in the days was an intimate, homely affair replete with close friends and relatives gathering to celebrate upcoming nuptials, putting turmeric on the bride and groom amidst jaunty tunes of folk songs sung happily by aunts and cousins, dancing and making merry surrounding the happy bride or groom.
Well. Those days are sadly behind us. The age of over-the-top, ostentatious weddings is here diminishing our culture and tradition with it. However, amidst this mindless appropriation of culture borrowed from neighbouring countries that have no rhyme or reason we are slowly forgetting our own.
Yet, some of us soldier on. A lavish "Sangeet" with professionally choreographed Hindi "item" dance numbers is not everyone's cup of tea. Many couples choose to shun borrowed trends and uphold our simple rituals and customs. We have a rich heritage of traditions that is quintessentially Bengali and they are far more meaningful and special.
The hues of the holud ceremony are bright and happy! While mustard yellow is predominantly the colour of choice for most brides, as it tends to flatter our rich skin tones, there are so many more options. Canary, sunflower, corn and pineapple are lovely shades of yellow that are universally flattering. Off-beat brides can even consider muted shades of yellow. The best thing about yellow is that there is a shade for everyone.
In terms of styling, options are endless. A saree is the best choice for holud still, as it is the attire of choice for us Bangladeshi ladies. A true reflection of our culture and heritage, a saree will never let you down. Choose traditional weaves if you please, such as Katan, Jamdani, or Muslin. There are so many ways to customise a saree nowadays. Most designers are happy to accommodate brides wanting to make a piece their own.
Go for a blouse in a contrasting colour such as yellow or purple. A red and yellow saree has traditionally been the attire of choice for holuds since time immemorial and is still the best colourway.
Go all out with details — zardozi and karchupi among others are perfect and rich for holud. Patchwork on the anchal of a yellow saree will look fantastic in bright shades like red, pink, teal, and green. A Maggie-sleeve blouse will add charm to your holud attire. Velvet is another great option for a blouse and will add a regal feel.
Traditionally, fresh floral jewellery has been a staple for holuds. Feminine and vibrant, there's hardly any other kind that can compare with it. However, it is an entirely personal choice. Dry flower jewellery is another great option; it will stay with you for years. Brides wanting an element of richness can even layer with Kundan jewellery.
While Nivi drape is the most popular way one can always do things differently. "Ek pech" is an elegant and stylish way to embrace your Bangaliana, especially for holuds. Instead of going to a sky-high teased hairdo go for a plait and string rajanigandha strands over it. Or a "beni khopa" with lots of beli and gajra. Finish off with dewy makeup with natural tones and a lovely red teep.
So, brides, embrace your own identity. Be yourself and be the belle of your ball in a Bangladeshi way!
Model: Suhi
Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha
Wardrobe: Tangail Saree Kutir
Jewelry: Shoilee by Tahmina Shaily
Makeup Artist: Sumon Rahat & Team
Set: Eskay Décor by Saimul Karim
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