Tag: diwali

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How to Handle Festive Laundry Without Losing Your Sparkle

Festive wear is all about shimmer, tradition, and celebration, but once the lights dim and the last laddoo is eaten, you’re left with a pile of delicate, embellished, and often expensive garments that need serious TLC. Whether it’s a silk saree, a sequined kurta, or a velvet lehenga, here’s your go-to guide for caring for festive laundry,before, during, and after the wash.

First and foremost check weather forecasts. Here in Chennai the weather was rainy for most days from Navratri till now, hence it took a really long time for me to plan the festive laundry. Now that we’re told that it would be bright and sunny for about ten days I decided to finish off this long pending load of laundry.


Pre-Wash Rituals: Handle with Heart


Before you even think of tossing your festive clothes into the washing machine, pause and prep:


Read the Label: Always check for washing instructions. Many festive fabrics require hand wash or dry cleaning.


Spot Check First: Identify areas with food stains, sweat marks, or makeup smudges. Use a gentle stain remover like Vanish or diluted white vinegar on a cotton swab.


Turn Inside Out: This protects embroidery, sequins, and delicate prints from friction and fading.


Use a Mesh Bag: If machine washing is allowed, place garments in a laundry mesh bag to reduce wear and tear.


Test for Color Bleed: Dab a wet cloth on a hidden part of the garment. If color transfers, wash separately or opt for dry cleaning.


Washing Tips: Gentle Yet Effective


Cold Water is Your Friend: Hot water can damage delicate fabrics and cause shrinkage.


Choose the Right Cycle: Use the “Delicate” or “Hand Wash” setting on your machine.


Limit Load Size: Don’t overcrowd the drum, festive wear needs space to breathe.


Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: For hand washing, gently swirl garments in water. Never wring or twist.

I’ve even made detergent choices much easier for you.

Best Detergents & Conditioners in Indian Markets


Here are some top-rated products that balance cleaning power with fabric care:


Detergents




Ariel Matic Liquid (Top Load)
Tough stains on machine-washable festive wear
Protects colors, dissolves easily

Surf Excel Matic (Front/Top Load)
Dried stains and delicate fabrics
Gentle yet powerful

Koparo Natural Liquid Detergent
Eco-friendly, chemical-free cleaning
Safe for kids, pets, and sensitive skin.



Fabric Conditioners


Comfort Fabric Conditioner
Softening and fragrance
Widely available, budget-friendly

Revive Liquid Stiffener
Restoring crispness to cottons and silks
Great for sarees and kurtas

Koparo Fabric Conditioner
Plant-based softness
Ideal for allergy-prone users

Post-Wash Care: Preserve the Magic


Air Dry in Shade: Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken fabric.


Avoid Hangers for Heavy Garments: Lay flat to prevent stretching.


Steam, Don’t Iron: Use a garment steamer to smooth out wrinkles without damaging embellishments.


Store with Care: Wrap in muslin cloth and store in breathable bags with neem leaves or lavender sachets to repel insects.


Bonus Tip: Rotate & Reuse


Festive wear doesn’t have to be single-use. With proper care, you can mix and match pieces, restyle them creatively, and even lend them out. Sustainability starts with smart laundry!

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

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Deck Up Your Home for Diwali—The Sustainable Way!


Diwali, the festival of lights, is more than just sparkle and sweets—it’s a celebration of renewal, warmth, and togetherness. But what if this year, your home radiates not just beauty but also conscious choices? Let’s explore how to deck up your space sustainably, repurposing Navratri décor and using items that are reusable, biodegradable, or already in your home.


🌼 1. Repurpose Navratri Decor: Give It a Diwali Twist


Navratri brings with it a riot of colors, fabrics, and florals. Instead of packing it all away, here’s how to give it a second life:
Garlands & Torans: Reuse marigold or mango leaf garlands as door hangings. Add fairy lights or bells for a Diwali upgrade.
Fabric Backdrops: Those vibrant dupattas or sarees used during Navratri can become table runners, curtain accents, or wall drapes.
Decorative Pots & Kalash: Paint them with natural colors or wrap them in jute for a rustic Diwali vibe.
🪔 2. DIY Decor from Everyday Items
You don’t need to buy new to make your home glow. Look around—your Diwali magic is already there.
Glass Jar Lanterns: Upcycle old jam jars with lace, jute, or colored paper. Drop in a tealight and voilà!
Thali Centerpieces: Use steel or brass thalis layered with diyas, flowers, and grains like rice or pulses for a traditional yet eco-friendly centerpiece.
Paper Rangoli: Cut colored paper scraps into rangoli patterns. Bonus: they’re reusable and kid-friendly!
🌸 3. Natural & Biodegradable Touches
Let nature be your decorator this Diwali.
Floral Rangoli: Use petals from roses, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or even leaves. Add turmeric and rice flour for color and texture.
Clay Diyas: Skip plastic lights and go for earthen diyas. Paint them with natural pigments or leave them raw for an earthy charm.
Banana Leaf Placemats: Hosting a festive meal? Use banana leaves as placemats—they’re biodegradable and beautiful.
♻️ 4. Reusable Decor Staples
Invest once, reuse forever.
Fabric Lanterns & Buntings: Stitch or buy cloth lanterns and buntings that can be folded and stored for years.
Jute & Cane Decor: Think tealight holders, baskets, and trays made from jute, cane, or bamboo. They add texture and are planet-friendly.
Terracotta Figurines: Use them as puja decor or table accents. They’re timeless and sustainable.
🌿 5. Conscious Lighting Choices
Let your lights shine responsibly.
Solar String Lights: Perfect for balconies and gardens. They charge during the day and glow all night.
Beeswax Candles: A cleaner alternative to paraffin candles, with a subtle honey scent.
LEDs Over Incandescents: If you must go electric, choose LEDs—they consume less power and last longer.
🎇 Final Touch: A Mindful Glow
This Diwali, let your home reflect not just tradition but transformation. By repurposing Navratri decor, choosing natural materials, and embracing reusable pieces, you’re not just decorating—you’re storytelling. A story of culture, care, and conscious celebration.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

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Festive Season Prep Guide for Women: Navratri to Diwali with Style & Soul

As the air turns fragrant with marigolds and sandalwood, and homes begin to shimmer with diyas and rangoli, it’s time to embrace the magic of the festive season. From the spiritual elegance of Navratri to the sparkling grandeur of Diwali, this is your moment to shine bright inside and out. I decided to make this guide to cater to both women in North and South India.


Whether you’re a South Indian woman preparing for Navratri Golu visits or a North Indian diva ready to dazzle at Garba nights and Diwali parties, here’s your ultimate guide to planning the season with grace, glow, and generosity.

1. Outfit Planning: Tradition Meets Trend


South Indian Style:


For Navratri Golu evenings, opt for silk sarees in jewel tones—think Kanchipuram, Mysore silk, or cotton-silk blends. Also don’t forget the colour code for each day and get ready to flaunt your weaves. Time to take out sarees from your wardrobe and give them the breath of fresh air. Experiment with blouses, crop tops, mix and match and give your sarees a new style statement.
For Diwali, experiment with half-sarees, lehenga-style drapes, or fusion kurtas with temple jewellery. It can be fusion wear by trying different drape styles.
Don’t forget the flowers! Fresh jasmine or kanakambaram in your hair adds instant charm. Try pintresty hairdos for you and the little diva at home.
North Indian Style:
Navratri calls for vibrant chaniya cholis or mirror-work lehengas for Garba nights. Make sure it is also comfortable when you dance away.
Diwali is your runway for embroidered anarkalis, shararas, or Indo-western gowns.
Accessorize with jhumkas, bindis, and bangles—layered and loud is the vibe.
🛍️ Pro Tip: Start shopping early to avoid last-minute chaos. Mix heirloom pieces with new buys for a personalized look. Also on a personal note, shop mindfully. Invest only if you need it badly.

2. Skincare Rituals: Glow That Lasts Beyond the Lights


Pre-Festive Prep:
Begin a gentle exfoliation and hydration routine at least 2 weeks before.
Use natural ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, and rose water for DIY masks.
Don’t use makeup and let your skin breathe.
South Indian Favorites:
Ubtan made with besan, turmeric, and curd is a classic.
Coconut oil massages for hair and body are both therapeutic and nourishing.
North Indian Staples:
Multani mitti packs with rose water for oil control and brightness.
Almond oil or saffron-infused creams for a golden glow.
🌿 Bonus: Book a facial or spa session a few days before the big events to feel refreshed and radiant.

📝 3. Guest List & Invitations: Celebrate with Your Circle


South Indian Touch:
For Navratri Golu, invite women and children for evening visits. Prepare a thaamboolam kit with kumkum, betel leaves, bangles, and sweets. Choose return gifts that would be used and not just lie around. If you are making a hamper, make sure you have them packed beforehand. Invite them beforehand, make sure they’re available to visit.
Diwali gatherings can be intimate with family or elaborate with extended relatives.
North Indian Vibe:
Navratri Garba nights are perfect for group invites—think WhatsApp e-cards or Instagram stories.
Diwali parties can be themed: ethnic glam, card night, or potluck.
💌 Tip: Personalize your invites with a handwritten note or a voice message—it adds warmth and charm.

🍲 4. Food Planning: From Prasad to Party Platters


Navratri Menus:
South Indian: Sundal varieties, sweet pongal, payasam, and fruit platters. Add healthy twists and make sure they’re kid-friendly too.
North Indian: Sabudana khichdi, kuttu puris, aloo tikki, and vrat-friendly sweets.
Diwali Feasts:
South Indian: Murukku, adhirasam, ribbon pakoda, and coconut barfi.
North Indian: Gulab jamun, samosas, chole bhature, and dry fruit laddoos.
🧁 Hack: Prep dry snacks in advance and freeze sweets to save time. Use festive-themed serving ware for extra flair. In case you are going to send out hampers, plan for items that do not get damaged in transit.

5. Return Gifts: Thoughtful Tokens of Joy


South Indian Ideas:
Brass diyas, kumkum boxes, silk pouches, or handmade soaps. There are a lot of innovative gifts coming up that do not leave out the tradition but also incorporate modern thoughts.
Add a personal touch with a handwritten blessing or mantra card.
North Indian Picks:
Potli bags with dry fruits, scented candles, or mini skincare kits.
Eco-friendly options like seed bombs or terracotta decor are trending.
Wrap It Right: Use fabric wraps, banana leaves, or reusable boxes to keep it sustainable and stylish.


Final Touch: Celebrate YOU


Festivals are not just about rituals, they’re about reclaiming joy, honouring heritage, and expressing your unique style. Whether you’re dancing to dandiya beats or arranging dolls on a Golu stand, let this season be a celebration of your spirit.
So light that lamp, wear that saree, and let your laughter echo louder than the firecrackers. You’re the festival. Enjoy the moment, take pictures, loads of them to look back at memories.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.