Hello, fellow Punekar! The air in Pune is tinged with excitement as Navratri approaches, marking the onset of a vibrant and culturally significant festival that spans nine nights. Navratri is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of the divine feminine energy embodied by the goddess Durga. These nine nights are filled with joy, devotion, and cultural festivities, and what better way to participate than by dressing in traditional attire that reflects the spirit of the festival? If you’re planning to indulge in some Navratri shopping, this guide is tailored just for you, to help you curate the perfect Navratri wardrobe that mirrors the festive essence of Pune.
Traditional Ethnic Clothing
Let’s dive into the heart of Navratri fashion—traditional ethnic clothing. Pune’s rich cultural heritage is beautifully reflected in the diverse range of traditional clothing choices available during this festival.
1. The Timeless Saree:
The saree is an epitome of grace and elegance that Pune women proudly embrace. Navratri offers the perfect occasion to drape yourself in these six yards of sheer beauty. Pune’s love affair with the saree knows no bounds, and during Navratri, the choices are endless. Whether you opt for a vibrant silk saree or a more comfortable cotton one, the colours and intricate designs will surely resonate with your style.
2. Lehenga Choli Extravaganza:
Lehengas are synonymous with opulence and flair, making them a popular choice for Navratri in Pune. These three-piece ensembles typically consist of a flared skirt (lehenga), a blouse (choli), and a coordinating dupatta. Pune’s fashionistas adore the intricate embroidery and vibrant colors that make lehengas the perfect choice for dancing the night away.
3. Salwar Kameez Comfort:
Salwar kameez sets offer the best of both worlds—comfort and style. Punekar, who appreciate practicality without compromising on aesthetics, often opt for these sets during Navratri. You can choose from traditional designs or more contemporary styles with modern cuts to suit your taste.
Where to Shop for Traditional Ethnic Clothing in Pune:
- Laxmi Road: A quintessential Pune shopping landmark, Laxmi Road is a bustling street lined with stores offering a wide range of traditional ethnic wear. You can explore renowned establishments like Aishwarya Sarees and Asmita Textiles for a variety of sarees and ethnic ensembles.
- Tulshi Baug: Known for its vibrant market, Tulshi Baug is another excellent place to shop for traditional attire. Here, you can find everything from beautifully adorned sarees to intricately designed lehengas.
Bright Colours:
Navratri is all about celebrating with enthusiasm, and Punekar take pride in showcasing their vibrant spirits through their choice of colors. During these nine nights, different colors are associated with each day, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
1. Pairing with Neutrals:
For those who may be a tad hesitant about wearing bright colors from head to toe, Pune’s fashion-conscious crowd knows the trick—pairing them with neutrals. A bright-colored top paired with black pants or a white skirt is a classic choice that strikes the perfect balance between vibrancy and elegance.
2. Thoughtful Accessories:
Accessorizing thoughtfully is another way to infuse color into your outfit without going overboard. Pune’s fashion enthusiasts often opt for vibrant scarves, statement necklaces, or colorful earrings to add that pop of excitement to their Navratri attire.
3. Starting Small:
If you’re new to the world of bright colors, starting small is perfectly acceptable. Begin with a brightly colored blouse paired with neutral bottoms, or experiment with a colorful skirt matched with a classic white blouse. Gradually, as you grow more comfortable, you can explore wearing more vibrant pieces with confidence.
Embroidered Clothes
When it comes to adding a touch of elegance and glamour to Navratri outfits, Punekar turn to clothing adorned with intricate embroidery. Whether it’s delicate zari work, sparkling sequins, or intricate beadwork, these embellished garments elevate the festive vibe.
1. The Opulence of Zari Work:
Zari work, which involves the use of metallic threads, often gold or silver, to create intricate patterns and designs on fabric, is a favourite among Pune’s fashion-conscious crowd. Garments with zari work exude opulence and are perfect for special Navratri occasions.
2. The Magic of Sequins:
Sequins are Pune’s secret weapon for adding a dash of glamour. Dresses, sarees, or lehengas adorned with sequins catch the light beautifully, making you shine on the dance floor.
3. Bead Embellishments:
Beads, with their various shapes, sizes, and colors, offer versatility for clothing embellishments. Beadwork creates mesmerizing patterns and adds texture to your Navratri outfit, ensuring you stand out in the crowd.
Where to Shop for Embroidered Clothes in Pune:
- Fashion Street: Located in the heart of Pune, Fashion Street is a treasure trove of embroidered clothing. You’ll find a variety of options for sarees, lehengas, and more.
- FC Road (Fergusson College Road): This popular shopping destination in Pune boasts stores that offer a wide range of embroidered ethnic wear. You can explore shops like Rangmanch and Nakshi for exquisite embroidered pieces.
- Laxmi Road: A quintessential Pune shopping landmark, Laxmi Road is a bustling street lined with stores offering a wide range of traditional ethnic wear.
Jewellery
No Navratri ensemble is complete without jewelry. Punekar understand the significance of adorning themselves with stunning pieces that complement their outfits.
- Timeless Gold Jewelry:
Gold jewelry is a beloved choice that Punekar cherish. Delicate gold necklaces, intricate gold bangles, and stunning gold earrings are staples in every Pune woman’s collection. They add a touch of opulence to your Navratri attire.
2. Contemporary Silver Jewellery:
Silver jewelry offers a more contemporary yet culturally significant option. Pune’s fashion enthusiasts appreciate the intricate designs and craftsmanship of silver jewelry, which can enhance your Navratri look beautifully.
3. Modern Diamond Jewellery:
For those who seek a blend of modernity and luxury, diamond jewelry is an excellent choice. A pair of diamond earrings or a dazzling pendant can add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble.
4. Oxidized jewellery:
Oxidized jewellery, popular during Navratri, features darkened metal like silver, complementing festive attire with rustic charm. Whether earrings, necklaces, or bangles, it adds vintage elegance to your look, aligning with Navratri’s cultural significance.
Where to Shop for Jewellery in Pune:
- Laxmi Road: Apart from clothing, Laxmi Road in Pune is renowned for its jewellery stores. You’ll find a wide range of gold, silver, and diamond jewellery to complete your Navratri look.
- Tilak Road: Another jewellery hotspot in Pune, Tilak Road, offers a variety of options. You can explore stores like PNG Jewellers for exquisite pieces.
- FC Road (Fergusson College Road): This popular shopping destination in Pune for street shopping. You can get wide range of jewellery on roadside and you can bargain too!
Footwear
The right footwear is essential to complete your Navratri look, especially when you plan to dance the night away. Pune’s fashion scene has a footwear option for every style.
1. Kolhapuri Slippers:
Kolhapuri slippers, hailing from Maharashtra, are a traditional Indian footwear choice. Punekar love them for their comfort and style. Crafted from leather, these slippers feature a unique design with a closed back and open toe, making them ideal for long hours of Garba dancing.
2. Embellished Sandals:
Sandals adorned with embroidery, sequins, or beadwork are a fantastic choice for adding a touch of glamour to your outfit. Pune fashionistas know that comfortable yet stylish footwear is a must, especially during Navratri.
Where to Shop for Footwear in Pune:
- FC Road (Fergusson College Road): FC Road is a bustling shopping destination in Pune that offers a variety of footwear stores. You can explore shops like ShoeKing and Shoe Studio for trendy options.
- Laxmi Road: Laxmi road is famous shopping destination for all shopping needs for Punkers. There many shores and street shops where you can buy all kinds of different footwear.
- Tulsibaug: Tulsibaug is famous for its street shopping. Here you can get all sorts of footwear for very cheap prices.
Accessories
Accessories play a crucial role in elevating your Navratri ensemble, and Punekar understand their significance in making a statement.
1. Kolhapuri Slippers:
Kolhapuri slippers, hailing from Maharashtra, are a traditional Indian footwear choice. Punekar love them for their comfort and style. Crafted from leather, these slippers feature a unique design with a closed back and open toe, making them ideal for long hours of Garba dancing.
2. Embellished Sandals:
Sandals adorned with embroidery, sequins, or beadwork are a fantastic choice for adding a touch of glamour to your outfit. Pune fashionistas know that comfortable yet stylish footwear is a must, especially during Navratri.
Makeup
Last but not least, let’s talk about makeup. It’s the final touch that brings your Navratri look to life. Pune’s makeup enthusiasts understand the importance of a well-curated makeup look.
1. Embrace Bright Colours:
Punekar know that Navratri is all about celebration, so there’s no need to hold back on bright and vibrant makeup colours. Experiment with bold eye shadows, lipsticks, or blush to infuse the festive spirit into your look.
2. Add Some Sparkle:
Glitter is your best friend during Navratri. Pune’s beauty gurus recommend incorporating glitter eyeliner, eye shadow, or lipstick to add a touch of sparkle and festivity to your makeup.
3. Highlight for Radiance:
Use a highlighter to enhance your facial features. Apply it to your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose to create a radiant and glowy look.
Conclusion:
In Pune, Navratri is not just a festival; it’s an expression of our culture, our traditions, and our vibrant spirit. As you embark on your Navratri shopping journey, consider these options to create a wardrobe that exudes charm, elegance, and festive spirit. Whether you choose to dance the Garba or simply enjoy the festivities, your Navratri ensemble will make you feel like a true participant in this nine-night extravaganza of joy and devotion. So, Punekar, get ready to shine bright and celebrate Navratri in style!
