Stories shape us, and the best ones are those that transform and redeem us. In the North, the tale of the prodigal son’s return to Ayodhya after conquering the demon king is a tale of courage and hope. In the East, the epic of the divine feminine slaying and devouring the rakshasas is an allegory for transcending the ego and severance from the bonds of karma. We have all grown up listening to these stories, and somewhere down the line, Diwali has become synonymous with the conquest of our inner demons and the quest for our eternal light. It reminds us of the importance of sustaining hope in our times of readily available despair.
Time to Celebrate Yourself
We like to think that Diwali is not just a celebration of these stories but of the people. People and their resilience. We have endured and battled so much together as a species—a global pandemic, global conflicts, mental health problems—and we continue to do so. In today’s world, we are losing our souls to the corporate hustle. At night, we doom scroll Instagram—endless reels designed to make us feel bad about our jobs or appearances.
This festival brings a much-needed break from these, a time when we can hit reset and remember what it means to be human. So in a way, it’s not just about the deities; it’s about the spirit of togetherness. It’s where strangers become friends under the starry night, where the young and old sway together in celebration. It’s a reminder that life’s journey is more beautiful when shared.
Embrace the Art of Thoughtful Gift-Giving
Diwali creates a space for communal joy. In our culture today, we’re often told to be independent and prioritize ourselves. While that’s important, we shouldn’t forget the power of togetherness. And when it comes to gift-giving during Diwali, it’s not merely a ritual; it’s a profound expression of prosperity and goodwill.
People cherish the art of selecting sarees, often passed down from their mothers. These Zari Sarees become more than just pieces of clothing; they embody emotions, stories, and the enduring bonds of generations. It’s a beautiful tapestry of the past, woven into the present, with threads of love and tradition. A saree, thus, becomes a repository of my family history.
So when you shop this Diwali, consider pieces that have a trans-seasonal appeal and that can be bequeathed for ages.
Invest in handloom-worthy pieces this Diwali – Handwoven Linen Zari Sarees
Handloom weaving is not just a craft; it’s a piece of India’s history, dating back long before the advent of textile mills. Imagine this – women in the Indus Valley Civilization, as far back as 2800 BC, adorned themselves with handloom sarees. These Zari Sarees have been a part of our culture for ages, and they’ve only grown more splendid over time.
The Mughal era, with its skilled artisans, brought forth intricate designs and patterns that continue to captivate us today. These artisans wove tales of luxury and elegance using silk and other opulent fabrics. What’s more, the weaver community, known as Julahas, worked their magic with natural dyes extracted from plants, flowers, and fruits. Their artistry remains unmatched, infusing every thread with the essence of our beautiful land.
So, when you invest in handloom sarees, you’re not just adorning yourself with fabric; you’re draping yourself in a piece of our heritage. You’re carrying forward a tradition that transcends time, and you’re supporting the incredible skills of our weaver community.
Zari
Owning handwoven sarees adorned with pure zari work is a sign of a true art connoisseur. The origins of zari trace back to sacred symbolism and the creation of exquisite textiles for the aristocracy and merchant elite. Zari-making is an art form rooted in improvisation, carried forward by skilled artisans.
The process of crafting zari threads is a laborious art, where silver is transformed into spools of shimmering threads, bathed in the richness of gold, and intricately woven into natural fabrics.
The Gentle Allure of Linen
Our choice of fabric is linen. It stands out as the perfect choice for Diwali’s spirited moments. Scientifically validated as cooler than both silk and cotton, it embodies comfort and style simultaneously. Whether you’re racing through preparations, immersed in the sacred rituals of pooja, or gracefully dancing through family gatherings, linen becomes your ally. It’s the whisper of a soft breeze, allowing your body to breathe effortlessly, its lightness and airiness a stark contrast to silk’s warmth and cotton’s snugness.
When you recognize the rarity and worth of these textiles and invest in them, it creates a demand that, in turn, leads to fair compensation for the weavers. This, in effect, motivates the upcoming generation of weavers to embrace this intricate and beautiful art form, ensuring the continuation of this remarkable heritage.
Ethnic Inspiration to amp up your festive repertoire
Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali, and what better way to commence the celebrations than by aligning your desires with the power of intentional dressing? This is the perfect day to adorn yourself in yellow linen Zari Sarees. According to Feng Shui principles, yellow is known as a powerful attractor for affluence and wealth. The lustrous of Zari Sarees borders resonates with the spirit of Dhanteras, a day when you manifest abundance. Every color and shape carries an inherent energy that influences your mood, aura, and frequency. So choose sarees with motifs like dragonflies or butterflies that embody transformation and new beginnings.
Choti Diwali
This day demands a contemporary edge to the traditional fit. As you light up diyas, exchange sweets, and gather with your loved ones, you want to choose lightweight fabrics that move with you. From basil to pink, there’s a whole new palette of colors to pay a respectful yet modern homage to Indian craftsmanship. You can also take cues from Alia Bhatt’s purple outfit during the promotions of Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahani, by giving it your reinterpretation. Opt for a linen Zari Sarees border instead of chiffon for an elevated regal look.
Badi Diwali
The heart of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and her blessings of prosperity. Embrace the resplendent red or maroon with golden zari work on the borders symbolizing auspiciousness. Style it with heavy traditional jewelry. Balance it with a soft glam look. Go for a palette of pink hues for a gentle, rosy radiance, with defined brows, black eyeliner, and nude-toned eyeshadow. Don’t forget to embellish your tresses with a gajra.
Diwali Party Inspo
Blue is the ‘it’ color of the season! Luxe in essence with an effortless appeal, a blue linen sari is your sure shot way to secure your position as the best-dressed host or guest of the party. There are endless ways you can style it. Here are some creative combinations you can try:
- Skip the conventional blouse for a white bustier or a corset to add glamor
- Borrow from the celeb stylebook and turn to belts for a cleaner look
- Experiment and play with your pallu –go for an unorthodox, deconstructed drape
Govardhan Pooja
From Parikrama to Bhog and Aarti, linen zari sari is a winning choice to add a luxurious element to your closet without weighing you down. Carry a traditional pot to add finesse to your look.
Bhai Dooj
Grey symbolizes fortitude and reliability, a steadfast presence you can always count on, just like your sibling. On Bhai Dooj, choose a sari in this subtle shade. Keep it light and fun, just like childhood memories. To add a touch of personal flair, accessorize with meaningful pieces, perhaps jewelry passed down through the generations.
Conclusion
The festival is also about having fun. So don’t forget to experiment with what feels most like yourself and also get the most out of what you decide to invest in. On that note, have a happy and safe Diwali!
