navratri – That Madras Mom

October 2, 2025October 7, 2025

Unwind After Navratri: A Gentle Reset for You, Your Home & Your Gut

Navratri brings nine days of devotion, dance, and divine energy. But once the last lamp is extinguished and the final aarti sung, our bodies, minds, and homes crave a soft landing. If you’re feeling a mix of joy and exhaustion, you’re not alone. Here’s your post-Navratri guide to reset, repack, and rejuvenate with grace.

🪔 Repacking Golu Dolls: A Ritual of Reflection

Golu isn’t just a display,it’s a story, a legacy, a celebration of feminine energy. Packing it away can be meditative:
Dust & Bless: Gently wipe each doll with a soft cloth. Whisper a thank-you or chant a shloka as you do.
Wrap with Care: Use muslin cloth to wrap fragile pieces. I generally use old dhoties to wrap each individually.Label boxes by tier or theme for easy unpacking next year.
Store Mindfully: Keep them in a dry, cool place. Add neem leaves or camphor sachets to prevent mold and insects.

Pro tip: Journal one memory from this year’s Golu,who visited, what stories were shared, what new doll joined your collection.

🧘‍♀️ Relaxing Mind & Body: From Rhythm to Rest

After nine nights of garba, pujas, and social buzz, your nervous system needs a breather.
Digital Detox: Take a 24-hour break from reels and WhatsApp forwards. Let silence be your soundtrack.
Gentle Movement: Swap high-energy dance for yin yoga, stretching, or a slow walk in nature.
Sleep Rituals: Sip warm nutmeg milk, light lavender incense, and tuck in early. Your body will thank you.

🫗 Healing the Gut: Undoing the Feast Fatigue

From sabudana vadas to sweets, your digestive system has been working overtime. Time to soothe it:

Start Light: Begin with khichdi, steamed veggies, or moong dal soup. Avoid fried or spicy foods for 2–3 days.
Hydrate Wisely: Sip fennel or ajwain water. Coconut water and buttermilk are great for restoring electrolytes.
Probiotic Boost: Include curd, homemade kanji, or fermented rice water to rebalance gut flora.

✨ Skin TLC: Undoing the Makeup & Mehendi Marathon

Your skin’s been through layers of makeup, sweat, and late nights. Let it breathe:

Double Cleanse: Use an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle face wash to remove residue.
DIY Face Mask: Mix sandalwood powder, rose water, and a pinch of turmeric. Apply for 15 minutes.
Hydrate & Heal: Use aloe vera gel or a niacinamide serum to calm inflammation and restore glow.

👗 Laundry Love: Managing Navratri Outfits with Care

Nine outfits, nine fabrics, and a mountain of laundry,don’t let it overwhelm you.

Sort by Fabric: Separate silks, cottons, and synthetics. Handwash delicate pieces with mild detergent.
Stain Check: Treat sweat or food stains with lemon juice or baking soda paste before washing.
Air & Store: Dry in shade, iron lightly, and store with neem leaves or lavender sachets to keep moths away.

Consider donating one outfit to someone in need. It’s a beautiful way to extend the spirit of Navratri.

🌿 Final Thought: Transition with Intention
Navratri is a celebration of Shakti, your inner power. Post-festival, honour that energy by slowing down, tuning in, and nurturing yourself. Whether it’s sipping herbal tea or repacking dolls with reverence, each act becomes a ritual of renewal.

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

September 18, 2025

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.

October 21, 2024October 24, 2024

Navratri Golu: Celebrating Tradition, Family, and Culture Close to My Heart

Navratri Golu is a vibrant and cherished tradition in South India, especially in Tamilnadu. During the nine nights, families set up steps to showcase a multi-tiered display of dolls and figurines called Golu.
The depictions differ for each family as they could be scenes from daily life or Hindu mythology. Every evening, families offer foods such as pulses and sweets to the Golu as prasad and exchange greetings, gifts, and sweets. They sing devotional songs together and recite shlokas that give a divine vibe. Children and adults enjoy the creativity and craftsmanship involved in making these displays. Some of these dolls or figurines are carried across generations. There is a lot of happiness when you visit Golus at other houses to watch the type of dolls they’ve used in their displays. The nine days are dedicated to celebrating Goddess Durga in her different forms.

This is a good time to get together with family members and friends that foster community spirit and cultural heritage. There is a recent color code that started becoming a trend. Every year before Navratri a colour code is devised that lists out colours for each day.

Months before Navratri we take time to plan the food items to offer, dolls to display, the themes to decide, dresses to wear, and return gifts to give people who visit the house.

This trend of deciding what to wear as per the color code for the year impressed me much. In 2020, I started draping sarees as per the color code. This is a great way to wear sarees that have been lying around in the wardrobe. Restyle the sarees in different ways. My mother used to help me decide the sarees and choose what accessories that go with them.

2021, everything was all set for the golu that year from guest lists to sarees to drape, and what prasad to offer each day, but there came a big blow that we never expected. We lost mom to a sudden massive heart attack. My entire world came down shattered into pieces which I’d never knew I’d be able to build back again.

Days passed but I couldn’t gather myself, but I decided what I should do. I draped the sarees of my mom in memory of her. Every saree felt like a warm hug. Touchwood, till this year I’ve been draping sarees as per the color code each year. It gives me a sense of joy to celebrate what mom loved to do and how she would love to see me. Golu every year is so special to me, I carry forward the tradition from mom and would take it forward to the next.

This post is a part of ‘Feeling Festive Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed .

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.