festive occasions – That Madras Mom

October 30, 2025

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.

March 13, 2025

10 Post-Holi Activities to Keep the Festive Spirit Alive

Holi, the festival of colors, is an exciting celebration that leaves us drenched in vibrant hues and joyous memories. Once the last gulal has settled, the fun doesn’t have to end.

Here are ten things to do after playing Holi to keep the festive spirit alive:

1. Clean Up and Refresh: The first step after Holi is a thorough cleanup. Use lukewarm water and mild soap to wash off the colors. Apply moisturizer to prevent dryness caused by the colors. Refresh yourself with a cool shower to feel rejuvenated. Wash off the colours from your hair and indulge in a nourishing hair mask to keep your mane happy.

2. Hydrate: After all the fun and frolic, it’s essential to rehydrate. Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or fresh fruit juices to replenish fluids and flush out any toxins. It’s the beginning of summer and you don’t want to end up getting dehydrated, so keep your hydration levels in check.

3. Indulge in a Feast: Holi is synonymous with delicious treats. Relish traditional Holi dishes like gujiya, thandai, puran poli, and dahi bhalla. These delicacies will make your taste buds dance with joy. Indulge in the delicacies, but also be mindful of what you consume.

4. Rest and Recharge: Playing Holi can be exhausting. Take some time to relax and unwind. A short nap or some quiet time will help you recharge and recover from the festivities. Don’t underestimate the power of a power nap which can help you rejuvenate.

5. Pamper Your Skin: Post-Holi skincare is crucial. Apply soothing aloe vera gel or rose water to calm any irritation. A homemade face pack with yogurt, honey, and turmeric can work wonders. Colors can sometimes be harmful, so be patient in giving your skin the time it needs to heal. Off-makeup for one or two days will also be the right way to let your skin breathe. But don’t forget sunscreen when you step out.

6. Reflect and Share: Take a moment to reflect on the memories made during Holi. Share photos and stories on social media or with friends and family to keep the celebration alive. It’s such a fun time to be with people. Share the love, fun times and happy moments with each other.

7. Enjoy a Movie Marathon: Gather your friends or family and watch some classic Holi-themed movies. From “Sholay” to “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” these films will keep the festive vibe going.

8. Connect with Nature: Step outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. A leisurely walk in the park or a visit to a nearby garden can be refreshing and serene. Nothing rejuvenates faster than nature’s touch.

9. Plan a Meet-Up: Organize a post-Holi get-together with friends or family. Share laughs, stories, and leftover treats. It’s a great way to extend the celebration.

10. Set New Goals: Holi signifies new beginnings. Use this time to set new goals and intentions. Whether it’s a personal project or a professional aspiration, let the spirit of Holi inspire you to start anew.

Holi is not just a day; it’s a feeling that lingers. These post-Holi activities will help you savour the festive spirit and create lasting memories. Enjoy every moment and keep the colors of joy alive!

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

July 22, 2022September 6, 2022

India’s favourite good food store – Sweet karam coffee

Indian households are used to stocking up sweets and savouries. If not homemade, there is always store bought items for snacking. These go well with tea time, coffee time and even as sides during lunch. Don’t you all agree with me.

But ever since most of us live in a nuclear set up, we miss these little edible treasures from the grandma’s, who stay far from us or for some of us who have lost them.

Let alone the snacks, the pickles , the podis and sun dried crisps are definitely part of the family traditions in the south. When we get to know the extended family is coming over from native, whether or not before packing clothes these accompaniments definitely deserve a separate baggage.

We’ve also seen this in movies where we get to see the lead reminiscing when they receive a parcel from at home it’s like a warm hug that carries the love and care from our family. Daadi ke haath ka or paati kaimanam be it the pickle or the hand pounded spice powders they truly have a different way of touching us when user in cooking.

Now that we miss all that, I recently found an online store that has almost everything you need when it comes to making your life easier with cooking.

Sweets and savouries exactly made as per the authentic recipes from different lands, the spice powders, papads, pickles and what not. Sweet, kaaram ,coffee is my newest find where I stock from sweet, savouries, crisps , podis from.

With a wide range of options to choose from their website, they also make sure that the packaging is intact and keeps the items fresh and aromatic. Their sling bag is yet another salient feature that speaks volumes about their business.

You could order individual items or if your confused you could even go with their combos. Let alone normal days they have combos for festivals as well.

Sweets and savouries that are made especially for occasions are made into adorable bundle packs that can not only be purchased for personal use but also great for gifting purposes.

Sweet karam coffee aims to bring back memories associated with childhood by letting us bring home traditional Indian delights with their team of home chefs and small home brands. In addition to Indian traditional delicacies they also cater to homemade chocolate, peanut butter, cream bun, brownies for the current generation with healthy ingredients and homemade twist.

They are India’s favourite destination for good food for the entire family. With Janmashtami coming up they do have a special combo bag that houses sweets and savories that are made for the occasion. They offer pan India delivery and the bags should be pre-ordered so that you could enjoy these traditional delicacies during Janmashtami without any hassles from the comfort of our homes.