Chath Pooja - Here comes the Sun !

Its time for the 4 day long Chath Puja rigor.
With a 36 hour fast coming up there's a lot of detox and there's a lot of pampering due. Which means we need to figure out all those things which make us happy.
The festival lasts for 4 days - here's a snap shot , you can follow it from a Yoga point of view if not from a ritual perspective
Day 1 - Nahay Khay ( bathe, eat)  - take a dip in the Ganges and you're allowed one wholesome protein rich meal
Day 2 - Fast till sun set you're allowed a carbohydrates rich meal stock up because after this you have to fast for 36 hours without water as well
Day 3 - Go to the nearest river bank and feed the fish, contribute to the environment. Celebrate with song and dance - distract yourself from your basic needs and care for people around you and spread positive vibes. Welcome solar energy into your home and into your life - light lamps spread the love!
Day 4 - Go to the river bank before sun rise ( you must  be hungry - hang on ! ) make your offerings to the rising sun. Ask the Sun to flood your life with love, light and positive energy. Now you can indulge in your favorite delicacies.
While you're doing all this, wear the intricate arts and embroideries of Bihar on you and brace yourself for putting your body through a transformational detox. 

Indo Balinese Look - Part 2

Bali Yatra - Indo Balinese Look

You're tired of wearing the same ol same ol, why not try out a Balinese look coinciding with the Bali Yatra festival in November?
Either you're celebrating traditionally by taking part in the festivities in Orissa or you're creating your own festival.
This is what I can recommend, if you can't actually take a trip to Bali, you can throw a Balinese theme party or definitely attend a party you're invited to just to show off your Indo balinese look.
I suggest - lace, sheer, bring on the batiks and ikats in your accessories, throw on a satin or cotton silk kebaya style kurta and pakistani pyjami style salwar or if you're feeling the run way under your feet then be my super star and wear the capri style pyjama. Don't forget to carry a paper parasol to conceal your proud smirk and show off your mischevious shining eyes.

Pushkar - Lake Pushkar Look

Key words - if you feel like purifying your soul by dipping yourself in the holy lake Pushkar on the auspicious Karthik Purnima then you've got to be ready for a dip ! Can't wear things that don't dry easy. If you're touring to Pushkar to soak in the festivities and a dose of culture, ensure you wear your linens and chiffons with fast dry layers. You will sweat, you will work your way to the water and you will want to feel flowy, free and dry.
On the other hand if you're not gonna be able to make it to the festival I would recommend not sulking around at home. Throw your friends an ethnic party by the pool - no alcohol or other toxic stuff, just your friends and fun - its possible to celebrate simpler times. Maybe indulge in some good old jam sessions or just arrange for a dose of culture. Make sure you guys channelize the Lake Pushkar and take a dip into the pool as a tribute to the festival. Add some spice to your regular weekend party routine !!

Tulsi Vivah - Celebrating a Celestial Marriage and more

You've been asked to celebrate the marriage of Lord Vishnu to Goddess Tulsi on Parbhodhani Ekadashi during the month of Kartik and all you can think of is what to wear?
Or better still, you dunno exactly what goes on in the month of November, you do know its a big deal with all the festivities around you and you've generally confused about making yourself a part of it? This is what you can wear during the Karthik month which calls for 3 karthik themed important highlights
Tripuri Purnima ( Lord Shiva destroys a demon)
Parbodhini Ekadashi ( perform Tulsi vivah - wedding of Lord Vishnu in a Saligram (black river stone) avataar to Tulsi in the form of a basil plant)
Dev Diwali  ( Diwali celebrated by the Gods)

Ganga Mahotsav- Gorgeous for Ganga

Either you're about to embark on a journey to Varanasi to celebrate the Ganges or you're in a mood to look gorgeous at a traditional do.
Pick up some fresh flowers, wear your brightest mood in combination with the traditionally intricate Benarasi saree.
Benaras = Varanasi = Banaras.
The traditional Benarasi saree is made up of woven gold embroidery in pure silk and these days we have a combination of net, zari tissu, pure georgettes, silk satin and faux georgettes even.
If you can, then go for a full fledged silk one like the "khadi pattidar" purple saree on the top right corner.
Or go for a more flowey saree like the fiery jaffa orange & buttercup mustard yellow one in the center.
Go stylish with a combination of net and benarasi silk - this is my personal recommendation.

Gorgeous for Ganga look
Theme - like the flow of a river, the freshness of water and the purity of love
Saree - benarasi silk with a combination of net or georgette - can be combined with kat daana work or kota doria work
Blouse - brocade with trendy sleeves or pure silk solid color halter
Pattern - Paisley / florals ( no geometrics)
Churidar - ONLY if you cannot wear a saree
Jewelry - Jadau ; keep it light ; one solid color  + kangans - recommended "ganga jamuna" look which means it includes silver and gold or say white gold and yellow gold

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Images sourced from the Internet 

You've been invited to a Keertan or even better, you're hosting a keertan! What do you wear?

• Garment - Patiala suit 
• Pattern - A jacket pattern to give it a festive look or a simple mid thigh length kurta pattern with an embellished neck 
• Sleeve - either half or elbow length - I would avoid sleeveless for a Keertan please
• Colors - Tropical green, curious blue, dull gold ( its winter already)
• Fabric - Silk, satin silk or flowy georgettes
• Dupatta - A must, try a resham silk dupatta with tiny embellishments at the border 
• Embellishments / Embroidery - thread zari work, dabka work if you want, brocade work or a mild dose of not so shiny sequins placed carefully and intermittently
• Hair - try a beautiful braid if your hair can't be braided ensure that you carry a beautiful dull gold stylized scrunchy to tie a low pony at the last minute
• Ear rings - traditionally one would try out "jhumka" but I prefer hoops, they're more modern. 
• Shoes - the Jutti - if your outfit is too dolled up go for sober looking ones, if it isn't dolled up then doll up your look with the mirror work style just so gorgeous juttis

Back to the outfit -
Stylish and elegantly carved geometric neck pattern which doesn't run too deep. Patiala suit is about flow along your silhouette so it at once gives your body a shape while concealing your guilty contours. Try wearing your salwar at your navel and try a salwar that has a side draw string pull to avoid bulking up at the tummy. For taller women I recommend that they wear the salwar at their lower waist as low as possible this works perfectly to improve the fall of the garment. I want you to look peaceful and pious so its important that you don't go over the top with the outfit remember there are many more occasions for that. You can add the festive appeal to your garment by embellishing the border "daaman" of your kurta and also the anklet "pauncha" portion of your salwar - if that's not enough try these little bell shaped metallic accessories to enhance the look of your dupatta as well - don't forget to place them far apart.
Please don't forget to revel in the silky feeling you get when you wear this outfit  - the more silk you feel on you the better your mood and the better your over all look !! Enjoy !