I received an email a few days ago from one of my readers. She had asked me if I could give some tips on what to wear this Durga Puja and Navratri. With such a long celebration doing round the corner, it’s pretty obvious to look into your wardrobes and say, “Crap, what am I going to wear this Navratri?!”
Let me tell you shopping around at this time of year makes me so confounded with all the latest trends and choices available extensively and not to mention the tempting sales at all online retail outlets where I feel I should just grab everything!
The air is already filled with festive mood and excitement. With Navratri and Durga Puja near-at-hand, the stores are already laden with latest trends, designer wears and even customized pieces. Like I have already published the collaboration of Rohit Bal with Biba in one of the previous editions, there is lot more to be unfolded this festive season.
Durga Puja, being an eminent festival in West Bengal, markets are flooded with Ghicha silk saris and all-over Jamdani Dhakais, which have always been the flavor of the Puja festival. While women are flocking in to various stores to get hold of these Bengali classic, let me just take you through an array of some mind boggling designs, which are contemporary and traditional at heart.
Sarees (Sari) captures the essence of beauty and allure of a woman. It is something in which every woman takes pride in. Sarees come in the top of the list when people go for Durga Puja shopping. Made and designed by cotton or silk, sarees have globally earned the status of cult fashion. Most common is the Korial lal paar sari, which has, over the years, become the trademark style statement for Bengali women. These sarees are white coloured with red border. White bangles made of conch shells (known as shakha in Bengali) and red coral bangles (called “pola”), compliments this saree very well to the material women.
Dhakai Jamdani sarees was a part of the great Bengal i.e before partition. The production of these sarees were patronised by the Mughal emperors. The term Jamdani is Persian, derived from ‘Jam’, meaning flower, and ‘Dani’, as in vase or a container, named after decorative floral patterns found on Dhakai textile, as per Dhaka Tribune. These sarees are supple and soft. Dhakai Jamdani is very popular among Bengalis.
“Saree is not only a part of the Bengali Culture but also a prized possession in the wardrobe of every woman that completes her feminine beauty,” Keya Seth, a Kolkata based fashion designer, said in her You Tube channel. “Durga Puja is the time when we love to feel rooted with our culture and a saree gives you just the perfect Bengali look. Saree gives a different definition to the total appearance of a woman, adding a dash of glamour and elegance to her personality,” she added. Other sarees like Tant, Garad and Garad-Korial, Tussar, Korial-Banarasi are quite popular among Bengalis. Now a days, girls also prefer to wear salwar kamez which also gives a traditional look.
Dresses for men: The traditional wear for men are dhoti and punjabi. A man wearing a punjabi will always get an ethnic look. It is loosely fitted garment and normally worn with dhoti or pyjama. The fabrics are made up of silk or cotton. Punjabis are also known as kurta. Dhotis are one of the most famous ethnic wear for men in India. In different parts of India, dhotis are known by different names. Punjabis call it laacha, in Bengal it is commonly known as dhuti while people in Tamil Nadu mostly call it as veshti. Dhotis are also known as mundu in Malayalam, dhotar in Marathi, and pancha in Telugu according to Culture India. Com. Dhotis are usually 5 yards long that is tied around the waist and legs.
Here is how you can dress before going to puja pandal:
One can set her style statement with saree when it comes to Durga Puja. It will give you a true Indian look. Anarkalis are also a popular choice for evening wear. It is available in different designs and colours. As it is also Navrati one can go for ghagras and lehengas. Jewellery is also an essential part of your get up, one can try gold, diamonds or any other metallic jewelry. For men, a proper grooming with ethnic dresses like kurta, pyjama, punjabis will make them look awesome.
#Structured ethnic wear
How can Puja festival be complete without opulent Indian traditional outfits? The good news is that Anarkali is still very much in trend this season. However, for the sake of latest designs, these pieces have now got a structured look. Have a look at these well-tailored and stiff lehengas, anarkalis and sari blouses.
#Floor-length anarkali
You can never go wrong with a floor-length anarkali, which is quite a rage these days. Whether it’s floor sweeping or short length, an anarkali in different patterns, shades and drapes is the ideal outfit for not only for Dusshera but Diwali celebration as well. You can pair these outfits with ethnic jewellery pieces such as kundan or polki, which are great options to complete your look.
#Semi-traditional wear
If semi-traditional designs interest you and you like to keep them sexy and fun then these anarkali frock dresses are the best options. These pieces are flirty yet feminine and stylish yet conventional. Since you’re shopping exclusively for Puja festivals, so make sure to keep the colour and detailing totally Indian.
#Fusion wear
If you’re lover of fusion wear then it’s not a rule to be kitsch all the time. There are fabulous styles, which can help you look super chic. You can choose from the wide varieties and team up any bright lehenga skirt with a nude sheer lace top or jacket. you can even add some twist by going asymmetrical and layered.
#Straight from the runway
The 70’s wide-legged palazzo pants and retro is back again with a bang this season. Not only are these pieces are a break from the typical salwar suit styles, but also look ultra fashionable. For those, who do not like going completely traditional, this is the best alternative. You can pair these stylish pants up with straight printed kurtas for your dandiya raas!
#Add a touch of Indianness
Go Desi for Dandiya nights by opting for an embroidered asymmetrical dress. This body flattering outfit not only gels effortlessly into the ethnic look, but also its gold detailing underscores the dress just right. Because the dress is already adorned with heavy embroidery work, you can keep it low with the accessories to avoid the overdose of gold and glitter.
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