Navratri Special!

As the Navaratri season approaching, all Hindu homes would be decked up and would gleam with religious fervor. Personally it is my most favourite festival and I love keeping Golu. When I invite people for golu, a lot of them, both expats and north-Indians ask me how they should dress up while going out on such occasions. Also a lot of my south Indian friends have the same doubts on what to wear while going our for a Garba or Daadiya Raas night. So here is a thought on how to be great Desi Diva this Navaratri.

The perfect attire for a Garba or Dandiya Raas for men is the kedia and turbans and lehengha/Chanya choli for women. Forget the heavily embroidered sequins and opt for traditional ones made of Bhandini and embellished with mirror work. Accessorize with oxidized metal (silver/gold) jewelry or Meenakari sets. Alternatively you can wear the saree with a Gujarati pallu but you might find it difficult to handle a saree while dancing in circles. If you do not have a traditional ghagra or lehengha, pair a full length crushed skirt with a fully embroidered blouse/halter top and use a cotton dupatta as your odini. As far as colors go – red, green and yellow are the best. Anything colorful and jazzy also goes but muted colors are a big no-no. Plait your hair and decorate it with flowers and danglers in the end. Up this Desi quotient with loads of bangles and Payal (anklets) for your feet.

Undoubtedly, the daandiya nights turns sweaty, clammy and hotter as time passes by, so keep your makeup simple and light. Just go for water-proof foundation and kohl. If you love dancing all night long, then forget about pencil or high heels. Go for comfortable sandals or traditional Mojharis that match with your outfit.

Durga Puja - It is believed that goddess Durga has nine forms and nine color sarees represent them. Though it is mostly a tradition of Gujarat and Maharashtra but it has greatly spread all over India. Now during navaratri all over India women wear different color saris on each of the nine days. Those nine colors are fixed but their sequence keeps changing every year. Colors in last year’s order are dark green, orange, white, pink, ink blue, yellow, peacock green/ royal blue, gray, parrot green and red. Red color sari is usually worn on the last navratra that is Dussehra or Vijaya Dhashmi. Golu - Traditional sarees, half sarees and pattu pavadais are most preferred attire. If you are a married woman who is invited to take Thambulam (a return gift of betel leaves, turmeric, nuts, fruits and flowers) dressing in yellow, red/orange or green saree is said to bring prosperity to the house you visit. Avoid wearing attire that is fully black or white. Wearing bindi, flowers, bangles and something on the neck are a must. Wearing the traditional dress of your region is quite welcome as this festival is less about being religious and more about being a social visit.

Non Hindus need not shy away from such gatherings as Navaratri is more of a community festival rather than religious. It is a festival filled with creativity, colour and emphasizes the need for common good by strengthening community ties. So glam up in Desi style and enjoy these nine days of festive splendor.