Do you have a tiny tot at home celebrating their first Saraswati Puja? Or, is there a fashion conscious tween or a teen, frowning at their OOTD for the fun day with pals at school? Don’t fret about the look of the special day.
My Kolkata has picked a few homegrown brands from Kolkata and across the country to make Vasant Panchami a special day for the budding fashionistas.
For the cute li’l ones
The apple of your eye in a red Chitras dress with a matching bow means that a photoshoot before the celebrations begin is a given! The jamdani-style motif along the hem, with the wavy little sleeves make this a special outfit. Pair with with matching red shoes and some jhunjhuni silver anklets. You can add a yellow sweater, or even a pretty little coat for the Saraswati Puja colour scheme. Finish it with a little bow on the head for the precious gift of your life.
Pocket pinch: Rs. 1,099
An angrakha cut dress, matching red shoes and hair clips, and that adorable smile — the chhotto Saraswati is cute as ever in a frock by Turaturi. For the young man in the making, a cotton kurta with simple motifs, teamed with a classic white pyjama, a Nehru jacket or blazer, and loafers is sure to make your tot happy.
Since summer is sure to come knocking any day now, light cottons are for keeps. For this year’s surprisingly cool Saraswati Puja, you can layer it up with a shrug, a waistcoat or a jacket or even pullover. You can also turn the frock into an Indo-Western attire, adding red or white leggings, and a dupatta.
Pocket pinch: Rs. 850
For the budding fashionista tweens
If you have tween twins who are usually Tom and Jerry-ing but still thick as thieves, a matching set is the perfect attire for Saraswati Puja. Mimosa, a city label run by a mum and designer Karuna Kedia, has a plethora of Indo-Western options to explore. Since yellow is the colour of the season, these dhoti sets for him and her make for a great pick.
If you’re looking for a more versatile pick, the pale yellow Somersault shirt is a smart buy. Since shirts can be gender neutral, style it with a pretty skirt or dhoti pants, or pair it with blue denims for your tween. If your daughter is in the phase of wanting to wear her first sari for Vasant Panchami, these can make great blouses too. Pair them with sneakers for a funky avatar on Saraswati Puja. Their friends — and yours — are sure to love the spunky take.
Pocket pinch: Rs. 1,499
For the stylish teens
The charm of a basanti sari can never go out of vogue. Since fashion is not really in the parents’ domain once your kid is a teen, you can pass on some suggestions and let your kid do the picking. Since it is V-day, er… Saraswati Puja, and your kids are in the last years of high school, or even the first year of college, getting a special someone to turn their head becomes a must. Traditional is the pick of the day, so what better than slipping into a Suta sari. Team it with a full sleeve blouse (don’t ignore the nip in the air), a light knit top, or even a shirt in a contrasting colour or fun prints. A peachy and simple look with a hint of kohl and a lip shade, a simple hairdo, a smart watch and sneakers or sandals of your choice — and you are ready. Psst…you can repurpose this sari for a mehendi look at your sibling’s wedding or curate umpteen lookbooks for many occasions.
Pocket pinch: Rs 2,700
Senior year and the last Saraswati Puja in school. It might also be the last year before you head out of the city for further education, leaving behind your sibling. Spend the day with your beloved bro or sis and twin like you used to when you were younger in this mekhla and kurta set by Dheu Calcutta. Channel your inner Apu-Durga and click umpteen photos with your sibling.
Pocket pinch: Rs 6,150
