Here’s what Kolkata is buying this Poila Boishakh

Naboborsho may coincide with the onset of summer, but that doesn’t stop Kolkata residents from hitting the markets to buy new clothes and decor. Kantha stitch blouses to pair with easy-breezy cotton saris, dokra artefacts, patachitra vases, applique bags or summery co-ords, CT browses through south Kolkata markets with actress Swastika Dutta to bring to you some of the trendiest pieces that can add some quirk to your wardrobe and home this Poila Boishakh.
"Poila Boishakh is all about shopping, eating, and adda. Buying new things for Naboborsho is special, especially when it comes to choosing gifts for my parents"
– Swastika Dutta, actress

Wear it on your sleeves
It’s all about experimental silhouettes and styles this season with dhoti sets, handloom peplum tops and wrap dresses. “Gamchha is high in demand now,” says Pradeep Kumar Palit, shop owner at Dakshinapan.

Decor to watch out for
N Siva Sankar, manager at the state textile and handicrafts showroom of Tamil Nadu says that Ganesha brass sculptures, Tanjore paintings and sandalwood sculptures are selling out fast this season.

"Our handmade dokra items are the best sellers right now and we’ve stocked up on a variety of these showpieces"
– Pramod Kumar Sahoo, Odisha handicrafts