Married women go green in Patna

PATNA: Shrawan Milan or Shrawan Mahotsav has, of late, gained popularity among married women in the city, who dress up in bright shades of green and participate in various cultural activities.
For Deepali Mishra, a resident of Boring Road, visiting a local parlour to apply mehndi before joining the Shrawan celebrations is a must. “I have bought green bangles and a matching suit to wear at the Shrawan Milan function,” she added.
Shastri Nagar resident Ruchika Prasad, on the other hand, is rehearsing for a special dance performance. “My sister-in-law and I will be performing together. We will wear multicolour flowers in our hair on the occasion,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bihar Pradeshik Agarwal Mahila Manch celebrated Shrawan Mahotsav on Friday and pledged to discard plastic bags. Around 200 women participants were given cloth bags. Various events like singing competition, stand-up comedy competition and fashion show were organized.
A new trend, Sindhara, has also emerged in the city. Sindhara is celebrated on the fortnight of the Shrawan month by Marwari community. Women wear handmade jewellery on the occasion. Shalini Jhunjhunwala, who runs a store selling different handmade items in New Pataliputra Colony, said, “Sindhara means offering gifts to daughters and daughter-in-laws in the family. Women buy handmade ‘gota phul’ sets, pearl sets or Swarovski sets as gifts. These products are being sold in the price range of Rs 400 to Rs 1,200.”
Hotels in the city have also come up with special food festivals keeping Shrawan in mind. Avinash Kumar, operation manager of a hotel on Bailey Road, said they have organised monsoon food festival this time to offer vegetarian food to people.