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Sankha Pola
Sankha Pola, or the Bangle Ceremony, is a momentous ritual for the Bengali bride. It takes place on the day of the wedding, after the Dodhi Mangal ceremony. During Dodhi Mangal, also known as the Day Break Meal ceremony, the couple wakes up early in the morning and eat a meal of khoi, soaked flattened rice with dodhi or sweet yoghurt. This is the only proper meal they will have until they are married and is meant to give them luck, strength, and nourishment for the day. It takes place at the bride and groom’s respective homes with their families and close relatives, who come together to bless the couple before their big day. After their breakfast, the bride is given traditional white and red bangles known as Sankha and Pola, respectively. The Sankha Pola bangles are made from conch shells and lac, with white Sankha bangles representing purity and red Pola bangles, symbolise energy and passion. They are cherished possessions of any Bengali married woman and are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring her good luck. Traditionally, the Sankha Pola bangles are dipped in turmeric water and then gifted to the bride by her mother. The bride’s uncle and elderly female relatives are also meant to be at the ceremony to support her. In some communities, the bride’s mother and seven married women put the bangles on the bride’s wrists. It is a big moment for the bride and her family as she wears these bangles as a sign of her marital status. Sankha Pola bangles used to be simple and thin bands, but that has changed with evolving fashion trends. Now, the Sankha bangles come in varied sizes—the thicker the band, the more expensive it is. They may also have carved designs of flowers, leaves, and other traditional motifs on them. The red Pola bangles tend to be smooth, creating a beautiful contrast against the white. Sometimes, these bangles are interspersed with gold bangles or iron Lohabadhano bangles.
Cultural Significance
The Sankha Pola ceremony marks the bride’s transition to married life. By wearing the classic red and white bangles, she embraces her role as a married woman. The Sankha Pola are a beloved part of her wedding trousseau, and she will wear these bangles throughout the wedding ceremony and up to a year after marriage. It is considered bad luck if the bangles break within that year.
The story of the origin of the Sankha Pola bangles is rather touching. It is said that back in the day, Bengali farmers and fishermen who couldn’t afford expensive gifts used to collect conch shells and give them to their wives.
Since they were poor and couldn’t wear ivory jewellery, the women started to crush these shells and make bangles out of them. They did so with red coral as well. As time went on, the white and red bangles became a symbol of love between a husband and a wife.
The Sankha Pola bangles also represent good health and prosperity. They are worn by women for the health of their husband and their marriage.
Fashioning Tradition
The Sankha Pola ceremony is a sweet, intimate moment that happens at dawn on the day of the Bengali wedding. Since the bride will later get dressed in her extravagant bridal attire, she can keep her look simple and demure for this ritual. A traditional Lal-Par saree is the go-to choice for most brides. It is a classic white saree with a red border that perfectly complements the Sankha-Pola bangles. The white in the saree represents purity and auspiciousness, and the red symbolises love and passion.
Some Lal-Par sarees have traditional designs, motifs, or patterns in the pallu.
This saree is a popular choice for poojas, festivals, and weddings and holds a special place in the hearts of Bengali women.
One of the most popular variations of the Lal-Par saree is the Baluchari saree. This is a traditional weaving style of the Baluchar village in West Bengal. These sarees are known for their rich silk fabric and handwoven motifs of scenes from Indian mythology, folklore, and literature on the pallu. Another popular variation of the Lal-Par saree is the Tant saree. These can be made in cotton or silk and are known for their comfortable and lightweight look. Other Lal-Par sarees include Jamdani, chanderi silk, tussar silk, ikkat, and garad.
Jewellery & Accessories
During the Sankha Pola ceremony in Bengali weddings, the bride wears select traditional jewellery that matches the simplicity of the occasion. The focal point of her look is undoubtedly the red and white Sankha Pola bangles. But, she can further accessorise her wrists with gold Bautis or iron Loha Badhano bangles. The Loha Badhano bangles are believed to reduce friction between the red and white bangles while also standing for grit and resilience.
Image Credits
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