As the city gears up to celebrate
Durga Puja, handloom expos are the go-to hubs for festive shopping. From embroidered blouses to hand-painted saris, shoppers are spoilt for choice when it comes to putting together their pujo wardrobe.
‘Folk art, Durga motifs on handloom are a major draw for shoppers’Festive fashion is all about embracing handloom with an artistic twist. “Folk art and nature-inspired kantha embroideries on shirts, saris and blouses are a big draw for youngsters,” says Arpan Dutta, founder of a fashion label. “Apart from embroidered textiles, many also opt for hand-painted saris or blouses with motifs like Durga’s face or form,” he adds.
Match your hand-painted sari with an embroidered blouse and artisanal bindi
Artist Ayan Rakshit, who specialises in painted menswear, states, “During pujo, men love experimenting with their looks. I create alpona and Shantiniketan-inspired art on panjabis with asymmetrical necklines, which can be paired with pre-stitched mayur pucha dhotis. Kurtas in angrakha style are also very popular.”
During pujo, men love experimenting with their looks.
Opt for bugadi pins for a boho-chic vibeFrom pachi kundan to meenakari ones, in the shape of peacocks, fish and flowers, there’s a wide range of bugadi pins to choose from. It will add a boho vibe to the look. Celebrity stylist Namita Alexander says, “Artisanal jewellery like bugadi pins (traditional ear-cuffs) can add a nostalgic touch to the festive look. Wearing antique gold necklaces or kasu malai, with bugadi pins in the ears, and a small nose ring can create a goddess-like aesthetic.”
To complement your sari look, opt for handmade dokra haslis or chokers, rings and bracelets and bugadi pins
To complement your sari look, opt for handmade dokra haslis or chokers, rings and bracelets. These are available at the Pujor Haat in Kali Mandir as well. Pujo-inspired jute, clay and fabric jewellery can be a great addition to a simple look, too. "Amp up the look with statement jewellery, fabric bindis, and bangles, keeping the drapes light and fuss-free. You can add embellished kamarbandhs, ear cuffs, and metal hairpins or bun holders," says Rashi Sharma, a content creator.
Puja-inspired jute, clay and fabric jewellery can be a great addition to a simple look, too
Accessorise right- If your outfit is simple, like chanderi, silk, or kota, let the bugadi pin be the statement piece, with sleek hair tied back
- If wearing cottons, oxidised bugadis with chunky silver cuffs or kadas can bring an artisanal balance to the look
- Don’t shy away from wearing a bugadi with a modern silk dress or even a monotone kurta set. It makes for an unexpected twist
– As shared by Namita Alexander, celebrity stylist
Handloom saris to explore this festive seasonA handloom sari carries a timeless grace. "The magic lies in how you style a handloom sari. Instead of pairing them with conventional blouses, try handloom crop tops or short tailored shirts to bring in comfort and a contemporary edge," suggests content creator Rashi Sharma.
- Jamdani
- Kantha
- Applique
- Gorod
- Dhaniakhali
- Taant
- Gamchha
Bengal weavers and artists showing their hand-painted sari collection to Delhi's handloom lovers
Each sari – be it hand-painted, handwoven, or hand-embroidered – at an expo is as exclusive as a designer piece but straight from the weaver. We end up visiting the expo three to four times every festive season
Aprajita Mangotra, a regular visitor at a city handloom expo
Pro tip: To stay comfortable during pandal hopping, pair kurta-dhoti sets and saris with sneakers
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