What's trending this Durga Puja?

This year, Ma Durga arrives early at the end of September. Which means hot, sticky days and muggy nights with intermittent drizzles.

Though this year most parts of India have had a good monsoon (some areas are still reeling under cloudbursts and floods), the trademark heat and discomfort continue unabated.

Fashion therefore, has to prioritize comfort above everything else. And we women know how the pressure to look good often makes us squeeze into uncomfortable outfits. So do we say goodbye to traditional flowing wear? Of course, not!

With a little bit of imagination, traditional wear can be the best bet in heat and humidity.

Let's see which sarees are hot this season:

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  Source - Dora by Phoenix

  Cotton, mul and linen sarees with quirky prints or floral design. Think soft fabric that doesn't make you break out in a sweat. Painted with florals or eclectic motifs. Or printed with quirky symbols like the yellow taxi or the Howrah bridge or cycle rickshaws. Or even out-of-the-box like reindeer!
  Ideal for day-time pandal hopping. Pair your saree with a contrast sleeveless tee/crop top, and some chunky junk jewellery, some kajal and lipstick. You will turn heads, for sure. Pro tip: Pleat the saree and clinch it with a broad belt! Hands free, total comfort!
• For evenings, go for tussar or matka sarees, the eternal favourites. Soft and skin-friendly, tussar or tussore saris come in a range of designs and prints.

  

  Source - Shantiniketan Online

  
  Hand-painted with kalamkari, Madhubani or batik prints, embroidered or plain, with dolabedi or sambalpuri aanchal, ghicha or gachhi tussar with prints look divine on anyone.
  Matka sarees have a slight rough look while being very chic. Pair the sarees with tasteful silver replica bangles and earrings. Add a nose-ring for added panache.
• Light natural silks, printed or plain with striking borders. Think Bishnupuri, or Murshidabad, or Bangalore silk.

  

  Image - silkwoven.in

  Artistically painted or printed, these sarees steal the show with simplicity and charm. Go for traditional jewellery and accessories along with these saris.

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  Source - CraftsandLooms.com

  Diaphanous saris like Chanderi, Maheshwari, Kora silk and Organza. If you prefer flowy, billowy textures, opt for these lightweight sarees.
  These will up your glamour without making you break into a sweat! Pair with pearls or faux gems. Not only do these come in jewel-tone colours, they have rich golden or silver thread weaving or prints on them. So you look good, while feeling comfortable.

• Dhakai, muslin and jamdanis are the eternal favourites for Durga Puja. Ashthami anjali and Debi boron mean traditional dhakais in red, white or yellow.
  

  

  Image - balaramsaha.com

  For evenings, Bangladeshi dhakai sarees - intricately woven, in shades of purple, maroon or navy blue are ideal with gold jewellery.

Now for those who don't want to wear six yards, what are the options?

• Flowy kurtas in cotton or silk with prints or in solid colours. Pair these with palazzos or leggings.
• Shararas/harem pants and kurtis. Go for natural fabrics, and colourful designs. sleeve edge trimmings like pompoms, lace etc.
• Long flared skirts in ethnic prints paired with single coloured tees, kurtis or blouses.

  

  Source - Nykaa Fashion

  Throw a shrug or a sleeveless jacket with mirrors and some danglers, stacks of bangles and you are good to go!
• Cotton printed pants and kurtas/kurtis. Dress up with stoles, jackets or throws. Pair with junk jewellery and chappals. 
• Long cotton dresses in floral or tropical prints, or dresses in jamdani or khadi.

  

  Source - monri

  
  These days, Indo-western dresses in natural fabric and traditional prints are in vogue. You can look awesome without wearing a saree too! 

So, ladies who want to become Pujo divas AND feel comfy and airy, go for it! No one is stopping you from enjoying your pandal hopping!

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