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 !

November Indian Festival Calendar

Colors can reflect your mood for the occasion...

The Indian winter palette is far from dullness.
November can be a festive month if you socialize and have friends from multiple communities however, it can be a dress up frenzy.
This November you won't need to obsess too much.
This post will give you an overview of what lies ahead, what kind of colors are traditional to the season.
You may not celebrate these festivals but urban indian divas can use a touch of tradition to their festive wardrobe. It gives you a BMS ( Body Mind Soul) boost !

A quick look at festivals
(start from the top left corner and go clock wise with me)

Kolayat fair

• Where - Kolayat lake @ Bikaner in Rajasthan 
• When - typically the first week of November on Kartik purnima
• Concept - the place is named after the sage "Kapil Muni" who is believed to have meditated at the Kolayat lake for the salvation of mankind. A puja is conducted and pilgrims take a dip in the lake to purify their soul. Stuck in an urban location that's far away from the Koalayat lake? You can celebrate by dressing up ! Okay, we won't go over the top ( OTT from now on) I've prepared a special look for you and I would like to call it " Say Thanks to the Sages" look. 
• Colors - the "Kolayat color pallete" - brilliant rose, bright crimson - crimson is a "sumangli"  favorite , bitter lemon and saffron (saffron is an auspiciousness favorite)

Chath Puja

• Where - North India (Bihar typically)
• When - First week of November 
• Concept - the 4 day long puja asks you to worship the Sun God to promote well being, progress and longevity. It is believed that arduous observers of the rigorous rituals ( including a 36 hour fast) can cure themselves of any disease. I'm here to help you overcome the " I'm confused about what to wear syndrome". 
• For chath puja I believe in the Yoga philosophy, though my community doesn't celebrate the puja,  I'm an Indian and I must participate. 
• I've put together a "4 day winter yoga" look for your body, mind and soul. 
• Colors - "Here comes the Sun Chath Puja Palette"-  A festival dedicated to the Sun God - splash yourself in buttercup yellows I've picked from the shades of the sun (Don't worry, we will borrow from Kolayat color palette over the 4 days)

Bali Yatra 

• Where - Mahanadi river @ Cuttack in Orissa
• When - First week  of November, at the end of Kartik purnima
• Concept - an annual traditional maritime festival which marks the end of Kartik Purnima and goes on for 7 days after the full moon. Early sailors would take advantage of the winds blown at this time to sail out to Bali , Java, Sumatra etc for cultural expansion and trade. Over time this festival has been named "the festival of boats" and during this grand fair children set hand made toy boats carrying oil lamps assail after sun set.  
• I've put together a "Indo Balinese beauty" look for your Bali Yatra 
• Colors - Its time to sing a song to fare the maritime folk well, try out the buoyant matisse and biscay blues. Don't forget to carry some wild strawberries and some Christine oranges - some eye catching colors for the sailors eyes. 

Ganga Mahotsav

• Where - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• When - from prabhodhani ekadasi to kartik purnima ( typically first week of  November )
• Concept - It is believed that around prabhodhani ekadasi , the God's celebrate their Diwali ( Dev Diwali). It is believed that the Dev lok descend on earth to have a bath in the river Ganga. At this time of the year, the Ganga is lit up with earthen lamps and a huge cultural performance arts festival marks the height of celebration for the home coming of the Devas. 
• I've put together a "Gorgeous for Ganga" look for this festival 
• Colors - flaunt your femininity with violet eggplants, cerise red and a fiery jaffa orange for this festival

Karthik Puja

• Where - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• When -  celebrated on prabodhani ekadasi during the karthik month ( typically first week of November)
• Concept - This month marks the celestial marriage of Lord Vishnu to Tulsi. On this day, women perform a specific set of rituals to seek Godess Tulsis blessings for the well being of their marital life. The festival is actually an epic romantic journey between heaven and earth
• I've put together a "Celebrating a celestial marriage" look for this festival
• Colors - since this is the focal point of most of the festivals, we will borrow from the other color palettes and especially from Ganga Mahotsav.

Bundi Utsav

• Where - Bundi @ Hadoti district in Rajasthan
• When - After Karthik Purnima ( November) 
• Concept - It is a celebration of culture, art, tradition, music and rural sports. The festival involves a procession, a turban competition, fireworks and a cultural extravaganza. 
• It might be boring if you aren't actually visiting Rajasthan, but that shouldn't stop you from soaking into the November festivities. 
• I've put together a "Winter festivities look" inspired by the cultural heritage of Bundi. 
• Colors - has to be golden dreams for a rich occasion like this 

Guru Nanak Jayanti 

• Where - Originally in Punjab, especially @ the Golden Temple in Amritsar, also at Guru Dwaras all over the country 
• When - November 10
• Concept - Celebration of Guru Nanakji's birthday ( the saint who founded the Sikh religion). On this day, the Holy Book of the Sikhs " Guru Granth Sahib" is taken out of the temple to the people in a procession accompanied by music and keertan ( devotional songs). It is a trend to deck up the Guru Dwara ( Sikh temple) and the nearby locality with lights and colors. Typically people host large community keertans.
• I've put together a "Peace and pious" look for this day 
• Colors - Tropical green and curious blue , there aren't any prescribed colors as such so I recommend sticking to easy on the eye and peaceful elemental colors. 

Pushkar Festival 

Where - Pushkar @ Rajasthan 

When - Karthik ekadashi to kartik purnima (Almost first 2 weeks of November)

Concept - This is a 5 day camel and livestock fair peppered with a lot of contests and shopping opportunities which act as a major tourist attraction. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Pushkar lake where the fair takes place. On the full moon day it is believed that the Hindu God Brahma created the lake.

I've put together a "Lake Pushkar" look for this festival

Colors - Merino linen, jewel green and Monza red. We will use the linen to create a sober look 

(PS: For the montage above I've used a mix of images I have sourced from the internet, these are not from websites where you can buy these clothes )

The Basics - Indian outfits

What's your budget? I can help you put your basics together within it...

The Indian calendar is full of festivals and occasions where a woman is expected to dress up in traditional attire. If you're the kind who feels forced to wear Indian clothes, feels tremendously uncomfortable wearing Indian clothes, I will address your issue separately.
This post is about the basic Indian outfits you must have in your wardrobe.

Lucknowi kurta
Ideal for summers and passable at winters with a suitable inner, the Lucknowi kurta can be a beautiful blend of traditional and modern when worn over a pair of skinny jeans or white leggings. Team these up with simple jewelry and flats , you are good to go!
I pick the color pink because this is most versatile - its suitable for summer and happy for winter.
I pick full sleeves or 3/4th sleeves to adapt it to the season and occasion ( there are occasions where wearing a sleeveless garment isn't appreciated)
You can completely avoid the chunni over the this one and that's what makes it my coolest basic outfit.

Formal kurta
For those days at work where you feel you can wear a traditional outfit or those office Diwali parties, a beautiful simple silk kurta with a thread embroidery pattern at the neck is just perfect.
I've picked the color blue here, this is sober enough for meetings.
The fabric is better when its silk - get festive and formal under one roof.
Again, the sleeves are to make you comfy in your air conditioned office.
You can team this kurta with silk leggings or even your slim fit tapering black trousers.
It looks formal enough for the day and the silk gives it a smart look for a party in the evening. You can use a suitable change in accessories to transform your self after office.
You can skip the chunni here and try a stole or a jacket instead. Yes a jacket, we will discuss this shortly.

White leggings
This is a basic side kick for kurtis and is a trusted aid in lending a modern look to your kurtis. Warning - use this casually, over use on formal occasions is not appreciated.

Silk Leggings
In almost any color but I would prefer metallic dull gold or dull copper. It works perfectly to tone down your otherwise flashy heavily embroidered kurtas

Silk / Chiffon saree with embellished borders
This is a must if you're invited to an important formal occasion like say a naming ceremony, an office pooja, a formal traditional dinner etc.
I would advise peacock blue hues, dark red ( but don't try this on occasions where you're not the bride) or even a deeper autumn orange.
Ensure that the border has elements of gold thread embroidery and a contrasting colored thread embroidery all over.
I would de-recommend any more embellishments  - stay away from crystals and stones for now.

Festive churidar
A classic benarasi silk churidar kurta is ideal for festivals when you're visiting friends, colleagues or have guests coming over at home ( make sure these are not guests who are likely to expect you to dress up in a saree)
I recommend beige or cream color with gold embroidery teamed with brick red or a deep dark red churidar, don't skip the chunni / dupatta please.

Classic black and gold silk saree  - Introducing the CBGS strictly for glamorous evenings and nights. Just try it. I would say its the Indian equivalent of the LBD ( Little Black Dress)

Basic white kurta or kameez  plus colorful bandhi chunni
The length for this one should ideally be mid thigh. Try a wide round neck with an hour class effect silhouette. In other words, get your tailor to fit your waist as best as possible to create an hour class look.
Ensure you get higher slits on both sides. Experiment with playful short sleeves.
Try pearl embroidered fabric in georgettes.
For the salwar , you can try churidar or a semi patiala even. If you're okay with color you can try and match the color of your dupatta in basic cotton and ensure this one is a churidar - we need less fabric because your bandhni dupatta must steal the show

Bandhni Chunni - colorful, playful and an indispensable companion. Try to keep at least one red colored bandej style one and one pink colored one with mirrors.

Yes I know there might be too much jargon in this post for some, I will get you there.
Keep reading.
This was just a starter so you can just add this stuff to your wardrobe and feel at least a bit prepared.

(PS: For this montage I have sourced images from the internet and will be updating you with links so you can buy these outfits from their sources if you like it)

Indian Diva's Look Book

Welcome to a modern Indian woman's wardrobe, here you will find out what to wear for every occasion.
I used to be a typical  "Bombay" girl who probably just owned one odd kurti bought for "traditional day" at work. Suddenly, I went through a transition phase when I decided to marry into a Punjabi family. While I was putting together my trousseau, my bridal wedding looks and traditional looks for the ladies in my family I realized that a lot of us modern women struggle with the question " what to wear " for literally every occasion. Isn't it easy when you have a reference?
Lucky me I'm passionate about style and clothes, I bring my 4 years of formal training in fashion illustration, tailoring and a part time diploma from a premier fashion institute in India to your advantage apart from my own sense of style.
Through the course of building my look book for you, I will help you in every way possible, guide you to websites and shops where you can buy what you see and if you like something I can make it for you too!