Oh what a beautiful time of the year it is!  The air is crisp and fresh, flower shrubs and plants withered by the ravages of winter are taking on a new lease of life and there is an added spring in one's step. The season for romance is almost here, and with her she has brought renewed hopes of life, vitality and rejuvenation. 

Celebration of spring is a significant part of Bengali culture, and Pohela Falgun is a festival we Bengalis look forward to all year around. A celebration of life at its best, Falgun festivities speak to our inner flower child, and we bask in its fragrant, vibrant glory.

The spirit of Falgun demands simple, yet sweet adornments, both in one's home as well as on one's person. And a festival that celebrates spring and renewal of life begets flowers of all kinds - roses, marigolds, tuberoses and many more. 

While locally grown blooms bring the fervor of Falgun the best, foreign variants such as carnations, gerbera and zinnia add delightful diversity to the mix. Quintessentially Bengali flowers such Krishnochura, Kathalchapa and Kaathgolap are unique and also look fabulous. 

In terms of home décor, very few things beat fresh flowers. They bring freshness to any room, and their presence instantly adds cheer and happiness to a space. 

This year, be a bit creative with them. While doing an assemblage in a vase is always a good idea, try stringing flowers into a garland and drape it across your dining table if you are hosting a Falgun lunch. 

Tear petals of off marigolds and cleverly sprinkle them between dishes and create a beautiful floralscape on your table. Add rose petals and any other kind your heart fancies and it will instantly liven up your entire room. 

Set the tone for afternoon adda by artfully arranging fresh flowers in a large glass bowl filled with water. Small floating candles in between will add sparkle to the arrangement. Create a screen of tuberose strings and hang it behind your dessert counter, and garnish your kheer, payesh or firni. 

You could take things one step further and serve Golaap Pitha, shaped like a blooming rose! All these details are likely to bring a contagious Falgun fervour to your home.

Bengali belles love to use flowers to adorn their persons, and Falgun presents a worthy opportunity to do exactly that. Floral jewellery is a fabulous way to embrace the magic of Falgun. 

A string of beli wrapped around one's wrist delicately perfumes the body as well as soul. An earring fashioned out of small flowers adds whimsical carelessness, and a garland of fresh flowers worn around the neck is reliving one's floral fantasy. 

Another fun accessory is the flower crown that is all the rage now. Channel your inner flower child and get one custom made according to choice of flowers by your local florist. A clever mix of shapes, size and colours will set you apart in a crowd. With these ideas get ready to soak up the spirit of Falgun and indulge in its fragrant festivities!

By Sabrina N Bhuiyan

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

Model: Junjuni Chakma, Nimmi Chakma, Anna Talukder, Sunetra Khisa, Paulomi Chakma

Wardrobe and Styling: Tenjing Chakma