Angana Roy's Poila Boishakh: A Journey of Nostalgia and New Beginnings
For many, Poila Boishakh evokes images of bustling markets like Gariahat, where shoppers eagerly select saris and panjabis, and sweet shops prepare for a festive rush from dawn. For actress Angana Roy, this time of year is a heartfelt return to her childhood in Asansol, filled with evolving rituals and celebrations that have shaped her life.
Childhood Memories and Evolving Traditions
Angana Roy fondly recalls Poila Boishakh as deeply tied to summer vacations at her uncle's house in Asansol. "Life felt simple and full of warmth there," she says. Her Naboborsho days were brimming with excitement, including trips to jewellery shops for Bengali calendars and sweet boxes. The tradition of Haal khata was significant, celebrated by almost every shop. "Visiting each shop with dadu in a new frock was a must," she remembers, adding that the house always buzzed with laughter and lavish lunches featuring mutton, gondhoraj lebu diye dal, and payesh.
As life progressed, Angana carried these cherished traditions to Kolkata, maintaining rituals of gratitude and purchasing clothes for family members. Today, the day symbolizes good food, adda, music, and shopping during the Chaitra sale at Gariahat. "I still buy junk jewellery no matter how many I already have," she laughs, noting that draping a sari, hosting a puja at home, and memories of Asansol make the occasion truly special.
Trending Shopping Picks for Poila Boishakh
If you haven't started your Poila Boishakh shopping, Angana recommends heading to Gariahat or Dhakuria. Here are the hot trends this season:
- Cotton Ajrakh shirts: Starting from Rs350
- Wrap around skirts (Solid/Printed): Starting from Rs450
- Cotton palazzo pants: Rs450
- Cotton blouses: Starting from Rs300
- Cotton panjabi: Starting from Rs350
- Saris: Starting from Rs1,000
- Bedcover (Single): Starting from Rs550
- Bedcover (Double): Starting from Rs850
- Chikankari kurtas: Starting from Rs1,000
- Silver Afghani jewellery: Starting from Rs1,200
- Printed ceramic plates: Starting from Rs100
Angana emphasizes, "Jewellery and shoes are a must-buy for me on every occasion, even though my mom says she will throw out the old ones if I buy more."
Home Décor, Rituals, and Festive Style
This year, Angana plans to enhance her living room with a decorative urli. "These look beautiful when decorated with petals," she explains. For Poila Boishakh, she also aims to bring home a mangal ghot, placing it at the doorstep throughout the year to attract prosperity. She reveals that her mother has always upheld the tradition of buying new utensils on this day, a practice Angana continues diligently.
When it comes to dressing up, saris remain an essential choice. "This year I will also buy a Chikankari kurta, as they not just look elegant, but are perfect for summers," she says. Reflecting on the day, Angana shares, "Poila Boishakh for me usually begins with luchi and jilipi, and of course mishti. It is about good food, shopping, family, and traditions that make the day special."
About the Author
Ruman Ganguly is a Principal Correspondent at Calcutta Times, covering Tollywood and fashion alongside her regular desk responsibilities. Her passions include movies, reading, and avant-garde fashion shoots.
