The Significance of White in Bengali Weddings

India has many customs and traditions regarding marriage and in the colorful spectrum of Indian wedding each culture is different.

Of these, Bengali weddings are particularly rich in symbols and, therefore, rituals. Another aspect that is quite apparent to me is the frequent application of the symbol of white in different objects of the ceremony.

Usually a Bengali bride opts for a white saree with a bright red border, a colour combination that is symbolically powerful. According to the customs of Bengali people the colour white represents purity, calmness, and the start of a new phase.

For many it is about purity of the color, the purity of the union, the quiet start of the life-long partnership and the quiet road ahead. Second of all, white does not only reside in the bridal wear only. It is worth mentioning that white has a tremendous importance in the groom’s conical headgear known as the ‘Topor’ and the floral decorations.

This choice of colour is not ornamental but symbolic and highly philosophical which symbolizes the culture of Bengali marriage.

One of the most common themes or colour that Raj Jaiswal, a wedding planner from Kolkata, uses frequently is white saying that the colour creates a very peaceful and divine environment. He said that including white in the outfits and decorations adds to the holy aspect of the marriage creating the serious nature of the rites. As for the new trends in the use of colors, Wedding Sutra, which is one of the main guides to the wedding industry, explains how the contemporary wedding planners, including those from Kolkata, modify this classic palette.

They combine white with modernity to give their brides Traditionally gorgeous and Young feel,” Piantadosi explained about the modern weddings they orchestrate. Therefore you can conclude that white in Bengali weddings is not about color preference, it’s about the cultural representation, it’s about spirituality and survives the test of time, and happily adored by both the couple and the wedding planner.