Bengali saree tradition blooms with rich handlooms like Tant, Deccai, Jamdani, Baluchari, and Garad. Yet what really does justice to these beauties is the age-old Bengali style saree draping. The saree, a symbol of grace and tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of Bengali women. Movies like Devdas and Gunday have done their fair part in instilling timeless adoration for the peculiarly charming Bengali saree draping. The simplistic charm of this drape is unmatched in an eternal way. 

Draping a Bengali saree is an art form that requires precision and finesse. Learning how to drape saree in Bengali style in its most classic form. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the traditional way of draping a Bengali saree, helping you embrace the beauty and grace of this iconic attire.

Here’s A Step-By-Step Guide to Ace Timeless Bengali Saree Draping:

Are you ready to learn how to drape a Bengali saree? Explore the steps mentioned below ensuring you achieve the perfect Bengali drape effortlessly.

Prepare Yourself and the Saree

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items ready:

• A Bengali saree (typically around 5 to 6 yards long)
• A well-fitted blouse that complements the saree
• A matching petticoat (underskirt)
• Safety pins
• A waistband or a saree belt (optional)

Step 1: Drape the Saree

The first step when wearing a bengali styled saree is to put on your blouse or choli. Start tucking saree at the navel and go around the waist to the right side of the hip.

The saree will come around to arrive at the front, completing a full circle at your navel. As for the length, the saree should cover your feet or at least graze the top of the feet if worn with heels.

Step 2: Tucking The Saree

Once the first round of bengali saree draping is in place, take some part of the saree and tuck it around the left hip. You’ll notice that the reverse side is showing in the front. Now take the saree towards the right hip and tuck it there.
Repeat this again and what you will have by this point is two broad pleats covering the front, the hallmark of modern Bengali saree draping style. 

Step 3: Pleating The Saree – The Bengali Way! 

Now, take about 6-7 inches of the saree from the tucked-in portion and pleat it neatly in the front, towards your right side. Bengali sarees are known for their broad pleats, so take your time to make them even and well-defined. Make around 5-7 pleats and ensure they face towards your right.

Step 4: Arrange the Pallu

The remaining portion of the saree is the pallu (the loose end). Bring the pallu over your left shoulder from the back and let it fall gracefully over your left arm. Bengali sarees often have a thick border, so make sure the pallu is draped to display this distinctive feature.
 No shame in using some extra pins to secure the saree on the shoulder, especially when doing bengali bridal saree draping styles. 

Step 5:

Off to the next step of how to drape Bengali saree. Take the rest of the saree from the back and bring the pallu in the front from the right-hand side, under the arm. Further on, you can either tie a keyring (chabhi guccha) on the right shoulder or simply throw it over the shoulder for a more free-flowing look. You can also opt for simply placing it over the left shoulder. Viola! You are ready to give the nivi style saree draping a run for its money!

Tips to enhance your Bengali Saree Draping

If you’re going to commit to the Bengali style saree draping style, you might as well add some characteristic accessories to enhance your look. Consider tying a bunch of keys using an engraved keychain on the fringes of the pallu, letting it chime over your shoulders. Ditch short-sleeved blouses for long sleeves or puffy elbow-length ones. Opt for Bengali sarees with intricate and broad borders, making the entire look come alive vibrantly. Add traditional bangles like Pola (coral bangles) or Shankha (Conch bangles) as the final touch.