A Tryst with Tradition: My Bhairon Marg Encounter

Independence Day at my office Consocia Advisory was shaping up to be a memorable affair. The idea was simple yet beautiful—each team would represent a different Indian state, bringing to life the vibrant cultures that make up our diverse nation. Our team chose to represent Bihar. Having travelled Bihar during my work in ADR when I had covered the Nation election watch , Bihar 2010 . My journey with Bihar started years ago when I had the opportunity to monitor a few districts in Bihar like Nalanda, Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Araria, as a public health professional ,engaging with local communities, understanding their health challenges, and appreciating their resilience. This experience gave me a profound respect for Bihar and its people, especially the women who navigate the complexities of their lives with such grace.

The preparations were in full swing. Our team was buzzing with excitement as we brainstormed ideas to decorate our bay. We wanted everything to reflect the essence of Bihar—from the colours of the decorations to the flavors of the food. My colleagues and I were deeply immersed in researching the nuances of Bihar's culture, eager to do justice to the state’s rich heritage.

When it came to choosing my attire for the day, I decided to channel the spirit of Bihar through a traditional outfit. Taking inspiration from Huma Qureshi’s portrayal of Rani Bharti in the series "Maharani," I opted for a Bengali-style saree, with the pallu draped over my head and a bold vermilion in the parting of my hair—a nod to the Chhath Puja tradition. The get-up was more than just a costume; it was my way of paying homage to the women of Bihar who have left a lasting impression on me.

As I set off for the office, dressed in my Bihari avatar, I felt a sense of pride and excitement. To get into the mood, I played Chhath Puja songs and Maithili tunes during the drive from my home Greater Noida to Saket . The melodies transported me back to the lanes of Bihar, where I had witnessed the Chhath celebrations firsthand.

Just as I was cruising down Bhairon Marg, absorbed in the music and the moment, four policemen suddenly jumped in front of my car, signalling me to stop. Startled, I brought down my window and greeted the officer with a smile.

Me: "Kya hua bhaisahab?"

Police: "Madam ji, kahaan ja rahi ho? Kiski gaadi hai?"

Me: "Bhai sahab, gaadi bhi meri hai aur main office ja rahi hoon. Kyu roka mujhe?"

Police: "Aapka license hai?"

Me: "Haan, hai. Seatbelt bhi hai."

Police: "Toh phir pollution certificate dikhaiye."

I said "put my car number in your tablet you will get the details" , and the officer verified everything. He then turned to his colleague and said something that left me both amused and thoughtful.

But then came the unexpected comment: “Madam ji, aapke getup ne dhokha de diya,” the policeman remarked, clearly amused. My traditional attire had made them suspicious—perhaps they didn’t expect a woman in a saree, with her head covered, to be driving confidently through Delhi traffic. It was a moment that left me smiling, but it also sparked a deeper reflection.

This encounter made me realize how deeply ingrained our biases are, especially when it comes to women. There seems to be an unspoken rule that women who drive are expected to dress in a certain way—jeans, pants, shirts—anything but a saree. Seeing a woman in traditional attire behind the wheel appears to challenge these norms, leaving people surprised, even doubtful. It’s an experience that resonates with what I’ve observed in my work—how societal expectations often underestimate the capabilities of women.

My time in Bihar has shown me the strength and resilience of its people, especially the women who manage their lives with incredible determination and grace. Whether it’s during Chhath Puja or in their daily routines, they embody a spirit that defies the constraints imposed by societal norms. This small incident on Bhairon Marg, where my appearance led to a moment of confusion for the police, highlighted the biases we still hold.

As I drove away from the scene, I couldn’t help but smile, thinking about how this little encounter added an unexpected twist to my day. It was a reminder of the importance of challenging stereotypes and celebrating the diverse identities that make up our country.

I’m sharing a few pictures from my time in Bihar and my recent transformation for the Independence Day celebration. It’s been a fascinating journey—one that connects the dots between my professional experiences and my personal reflections. And of course, my Bhairon Marg adventure was the icing on the cake, adding a dash of humor to an otherwise thoughtful day. A Saree, a Smile, and a Surprising Stop: My Independence Day Experience.

?