Shoppers pick Diwali outfits keeping weddings in mind

Lucknow: Mirror work anarkali kurtas, Indo-western outfits and Banarasi sarees are major attractions as footfall increases in markets for the festive and wedding season. A shopkeeper at Bhootnath market, Uttam Kapoor, said, "Buyers are opting mostly for Anarkalis, Banarasi and mirror work suits." Prabha Jain (57), who had come to Aminabad market to shop along with her daughter-in-law, said, "We have both purchased Banarasi silk sarees and mirror work suits for Diwali and they would be good for two wedding functions too." At Bhootnath market, Rita Mehra said, "I have bought an Indo-western dress for Diwali and a lehenga for my brother's wedding, while my husband has bought an embroidered kurta for Diwali and a sherwani for the wedding". Nidhi Awasthi (38) said, "I have bought two Indo-western outfits for my daughter and a silk kurta and a sherwani for my son while, for myself, I have picked a Banarasi saree".A shopkeeper at Aminabad market, Devendra Singh, said, "Velvet suits are also in demand as winters are approaching." Indra Awasthi (25), a shopper in Aminabad, said, "My brother's wedding is after Diwali so I have purchased two lehengas for wedding functions and one Alia Bhatt-inspired Indo-western outfit for Diwali while for my mother I have purchased two Banarasi sarees and a velvet suit". Young girls were seen attracted towards Anarkalis with mirror work. Shopping in Hazratganj, Ishaani Kuldeep (25) said, "I have bought heavy mirrorwork Anarkalis and a westernised outfit which I will wear in my friend's wedding too after Diwali."A chikankari shop owner in Chowk, Rajeev Mahendru said, "Mirror work chikan Anarkali suits in different colours are in demanded and men are opting for silk kurtas with chikankari is for Diwali and wedding season". A customer at a shop in Chowk market, Medha Bhatnagar (24), said, "I have purchased two Anarkalis with chikankari and mirror work to wear for wedding functions after Diwali."