Amdavadi shopaholics gear up for raas revelry

Gamathi chaniyo, abhala waali odhani, kutchchi kaapda, junvaani gharena…jara juo to khara, bhaav kari daisu, aao to khara! Sounds familiar right? This is how warmly you will be treated by the shop owners of Law Garden and Rani no Hajiro. Footfalls during pre-Navratri weeks rise like sensex on a good day. Navratri enthusiasts seize every opportunity to buy the finest garments in the best reasonable price.The city is already soaking in festive spirits as we are just a month away from Navratri. Ahmedabad Times take you for a dekko at those gorgeous Navratri outfits in beautiful colors and tells you what is going to rock this Navratri.
Print them right
Those ghaghras with rabari and kutchchi work have taken a backseat this season. “A lot of them have found their interest in plain chaniyas this year. Also, the skirts with floral prints are in huge demand this season. There is no embroidery in the whole piece, but a golden lace at the bottom,” says Dhanjibhai Mochi who owns a stall at Law Garden for the last 25 years. When ghaghras are plain, one ought to team it up with something that has sequence. “I just picked up a red floral print chaniya without any sequence to only group it with a golden choli. I am now planning to buy a plain blue chiffon dupatta for this,” says Roshni Patel, a student.
Accessory of the season
Do you see those stands on the opposite side of the stalls at Law Garden? Those crystals, beads and threadwork are attracting more footfalls before this festive season. “We sell around 10-15 sets every day in five hours,” says Rivabai Kanji, a vendor. Also, the traditional kodis, abhlas and oxidized jewelry are best-selling. Among the new offerings, oxidized headgears are likely to rock. Kamarbandhs and jhudas are among the hot favorites, apart from colorful bangles and kadas.
Pastel shades rule
Usually, one associates Navratri with vibrant colors, but this time around, pastel shades seem to be gaining popularity. “People who buy two- three pairs of chaniya choli end up buying one in pastel shade, though, the first choice is still about an exciting colorful piece,” says Dhaniya Patel, a stall owner. She further suggests that men who don’t want a heavy kediyu this time, can opt for a bright kurta with dhoti in pastel shade. “I got a bright yellow kurta with aqua blue dhoti. Though I am not a big fan of stoles, I will be using accessories to complete my look,” says Ashish Jalan, a young professional.
Prop it up
So those fancy umbrellas and topis interest you? If you are wish to add more to your decked up look, carry props with you, when you do the garba. “We pick up umbrellas and rolling sticks every year to stand out in the crowd,” says Nishant Amin, a student. A lot of garba enthusiasts also customize props like masks and headgears.
Exhibitions everywhere
Typically as the countdown to Navratri starts, a number of exhibitions take place in the city. “I bought an ikkat print and batik print chaniya for `1500 each at an exhibition,” says Kajal Jani, a homemaker. In fact, the rates at the exhibitions are reasonable,while shopping from street would require some bargaining skill. The bottom line is to stick to your price and you might return home with your prized possession. Tip: don’t show too much enthusiasm while looking at the displayed products.