Attention Shopaholics-Here’s why you should head to Delhi Haat this winter season!

What Is It?

‘Haat’ – a local market held regularly in a rural area.

The epitome of Indian arts and crafts bazaars, Delhi Haat is a name synonymous with colourful ambience, diverse cultures and exemplary culinary experiences coming together in a melting pot called India. An open air shopping and recreational arena, Delhi Haat offers a unique mix of authentic Indian talent and craftsmanship and a convenient flea market experience.

 

Due to its consistent old-world charm and a plethora of shopping items, Delhi Haat attracts local and foreign visitors who simply cannot resist the sheer breadth of quality products, handicrafts, artefacts and accessories to be found here!

Come winters and we all look for traditional yet trendy attire to drape ourselves. From comfortable and cosy apparels to fashionable and crazy accessories, one can find them all in the treasure trove of Delhi Haat! Shop to your heart’s content in Delhi’s favourite flea market where there’s something for everyone.

Where Is It?

Situated in the south of the capital city, Delhi Haat is at a stone’s throw away from the I.N.A. metro station. One can also take a cab or an auto to reach there without any hassles as it is located at Sri Aurobindo Marg, opposite to INA market.

What’s Available in Delhi Haat?

A question often answered with gleaming tourists and shoppers eager to share their Delhi Haat sagas with others, the place literally has everything and anything one can think of! To start with –

1) Handicrafts –

Delhi Haat brings you a wide variety of traditional Indian handicrafts that proudly present and preserve our local culture and art. Sourced from every state of India, you can find wall hanging, wooden figurines, madhubani paintings, mirror and embellishments, utensils, paper mache items, wooden toys, arte facts, handmade murals and much more. The vibrant colors, distinct designs and their cultural significance will really impress you with the sheer breadth of indigenous talent in the country!

 

 

2) Clothing –

There’s nothing you would want to wear, that is not available here! Delhi Haat is a mecca for shopaholics looking to drape themselves in traditional yet trendy attire. From khadi and silk to jute and pashmina, you can find yourself amidst a flurry of fabrics in the haat. Cotton and chikankari kurtas, zari work items, skirts, silk saris, velvet and cashmere scarfs and woolen sweaters, you name it and they have it! The rich and varied clothing fare will definitely leave you with a wide smile (and a lighter wallet!)

 

3) Accessories –

Looking to glam it up? Delhi Haat offers a plethora of beautiful and authentic Indian accessories in different styles and patterns. Whether you like it subtle or loud, you will be spoilt for choice while shopping for funky earrings,  glass bangles, elegant beads and bracelets, pretty pearls and pendants, trendy neckpieces and belts and various other kinds of chunky and jewellery. You can also shop for jute bags, kolhapuri chappals, hats and the list is endless. Honestly.

 

 

4) Everything Else –

Stroll down the avenues and courtyards to find you in the middle of food stalls serving local Indian delicacies and dishes from every state of India! Whether you like it hot or not, Delhi Haat will amaze you with its delectable mix of authentic Indian flavours and curries, served with love and warmth. Whatever your taste buds decide, don’t forget to try the mouth watering food fare! Visitors can also purchase authentic crafts and souvenirs from artisans across the country.

 

 



As you head on a shopping spree, don’t forget to bargain! A must visit, Delhi Haat is the true spirit of Indian art and culture in all its glory.

Love to shop for authentic Indian arts and crafts from the comfort of your home? Check out FleAffair – India’s first online flea market offering a wide range of authentic Indian clothing, accessories and more!

 

 

 

 

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The Art of Draping - 5 ways to wear a Saree

So you’ve picked the perfect saree for an occasion and can’t wait to look your beautiful best?

Well, shopping for a saree is really half the battle won as every as every saree needs to be draped properly for a truly fascinating effect and maximum impact. When it comes to draping a saree, there is no lack of ways to style it. For every occasion, casual or formal, you can drape a saree to match the mood perfectly. Although there are numerous ways to do it, we present 5 ways to help you make the most of your pretty saree and look your charming best!

We call it – The Art of Saree Draping!

 

1) Nivi Style –

One of the most popular drapes, the ‘Nivi’ style of saree draping is based on the ‘ulta pallu’ way of styling a saree. It originated from Andhra Pradesh and is now hugely adorned by women around the world. It is suitable for traditional and contemporary dressing due to its ease of draping and sophisticated look. The Nivi style of saree draping is based on carrying the pallu pleats on your left shoulder while making it hang to your back and the saree front can be narrowed or broadened to suitably cover the body.

 

2) Front Pallu –

If you have a saree with elegant embroidery work and want to show it off, go the Front Pallu or the ‘Seedha Pallu’ way of draping. To achieve this look, simply tie the saree and make the pleats as usual. Now, take the pallu and pleat it under your left hand to let it flow freely or pleat it by tucking it into the waist a little. This saree draping style will add extra ‘oomph’ to your beloved fabric! Women in Gujarat and Rajasthan swear by this style of saree draping.

 

3) Mermaid Style –

Curated for the women who likes to flaunt her beautiful self, the mermaid style of saree draping accentuates the curves in a stylish way. Often preferred at parties or social gathering, one can drape this to achieve a slimmer and sleeker look as well. It has no pleats in the front, thereby giving it a contemporary and fashionable look.

 

 

 

 

4) Bangla Style –

The coveted land of the most prized and perfect Indian sarees, Bengali women have brought a unique take to the art of draping a saree. This style is especially suited for sarees with silk motifs, heavy kaarigari work and rich borders. If you wish to flaunt a royal and traditional look without compromising on the craftsmanship in your saree, go the Bangla way of draping. Add a nice brooch for a twist!

 

5) Bollywood Style –



Our beloved Bollywood fashion icons have given us continuing inspiration in terms of draping a saree. From Mumtaaz to Deepika Padukone, Indian actresses have sensuously and stylishly adorned sarees. Narrow borders, curves at the hip, pleat-less and wraparound styles are some of the unique ways to drape a saree, thanks to Bollywood celebrities! Experimenting with blouses and fabrics is also a favorite amongst the B-town fashionistas.

So are you ready to drape the whole 9 yards of feminism your own way? Take cues from various draping styles and also add your own personal sense to make your saree stand out from the crowd! Remember, first and foremost, a woman should be comfortable and confident in her drape and then fashion follows next. Whatever be the occasion or reason, drape your saree in your personal style! An effective draping will not only allow more comfort but will also stand as a symbol of grace and beauty.

Want to drape it but still wondering where to buy a saree? Check out our exciting and elegant collection of designer sarees  , wedding sarees, bollywood sarees  , bridal sarees, party wear sarees in stylish designs and patterns! Add unique accessories to complete your look.

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How to Celebrate Festival of Lights – Diwali

If you know India, you know a festival frenzied nation! One of the most revered and celebrated festivals in India is Diwali which is celebrated across the country with much fanfare in a grandeur style every year. Fondly referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights’ – Diwali heralds the dawn of a new beginning symbolized by the return of Hindu Lord Rama to his kingdom after an exile of 14 years. Legend has it Lord Rama’s homecoming was a joyous event for the people who marked this auspicious occasion as Deepawali or Diwali. It marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. As is with other festivals in India, Diwali is celebrated in various styles and traditions in different cultures and their beliefs. Irrespective of the rituals, one can experience the exuberant celebrations all around during the festive season. Diwali spreads the universal message of peace, prosperity and positivity for the people of India.

Dozens of lights, diyas, candles and curlies are to be seen everywhere and the whole nation looks like a kaleidoscope of different lights amalgamated in sync with each other. The smell of incense and crackers mixed with the festive flavor and aroma of desi delicacies lingers in and around the kitchens of people celebrating Diwali. The sights and sounds of Diwali are a joyous camaraderie of people from all walks of life being together and celebrating with each other. A time for togetherness, Diwali lights up the corners of everyone’s heart!

Wondering how to celebrate Diwali this year? Here’s what we recommend -

 1: Shop:

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Diwali is not just about the lights, sounds and action, dressing for the festival and feeling the mood is an integral part of Diwali. On this day, people bring the best out of their wardrobes and dress up for the occasion. Buying new clothes for family members is also a part of the celebration as Diwali marks the new year for Hindus. With shops, stores and markets bustling with products, you can shop your heart out and make the most of the festive discounts and offers. Drape yourself and your loved ones with new dresses and give your wardrobe a Diwali makeover.

2: Ornate:

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During Diwali, it is considered auspicious to buy jewellery of any sort as it brings prosperity and wealth for the year. Especially during Dhanteras, women in India love to indulge in shopping for gold/silver coins and jewellery to bring good luck and harmony in the household. If you too wish to bring luck and wealth to your doorstep, ornate your celebrations by buying gold and silver coins and add a dash of auspice to your Diwali.

3: Decorate:

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Add the glimmer to the festive season by decorating your space with colorful diyas, lights, strings and lamps. Illuminate your house with lights, diyas and candles to attain wealth, health and prosperity. Many households in India are also known to decorate their spaces with beautiful rangoli and diya designs. Say goodbye to the old and welcome the new by lighting up your abode with festive décor. Even if you cannot renovate your space, you can always rejuvenate it with Diwali decoration ideas and make your celebrations grander than ever!

4: Distribute Gifts:

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Diwali is a great way to bring people together and cherish the special bond you share with them. Be it at work or home, you can soak in the festivities by exchanging gifts and sweets with.Some also like to bask in the celebrations with fireworks and crackers  to exhibit their joy and happiness. You can also choose to donate old clothes, unused items etc. to the less fortunate and light up their celebrations as well. Whatever be your taste, don’t forget to have fun this Diwali!

5: Pray:

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Offering prayers to Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity is the most important and auspicious part of Diwali. Every household offers their prayers and seeks the divine blessings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. You should also start your celebrations by offering sweets, flowers and gold/silver coins to Goddess Lakshmi as a medium to thank and welcome her to your home . Traditional rituals like aarti and laksmi poojan are a must do for the wellness and prosperity of your near and dear ones.

6: Celebrate:

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What better time to take a party leap than Diwali! We all love to meet and greet our friends and families and indulge in get-together, dinners, bursting crackers and playing cards. You too should embrace the festival of lights by reaching out to your friends and family and celebrating the togetherness this Diwali. Make your home a beacon of light and laughter along with music, fireworks, food and celebrations. After all, festivals are best enjoyed in the presence of our loved ones!

Diwali ushers in a new period of merriment – with loved ones around you dressed to impress, with delicious delicacies spreading joy and with fireworks that dazzle the night sky with their shimmering lights. As you celebrate Diwali, do not forget to reflect on  your inner thoughts and dwell on your actions to get rid of the negativity and welcome positivity in your life.

We at FleAffair pray the festival of lights brightens up your home and hearts!

PRIMED UP FOR SOME PRE FESTIVE HOME DECOR?

PRIMED UP FOR SOME PRE FESTIVE HOME DECOR?

 

With the month coming close for the festive season it’s time for some decoration, as one thing which people love to decorate is their homes. Home is a place where you can come and rest your day off, and with some beautiful pieces hanging around the place it makes it more pleasant and full of positive energy.

Home decor is something which makes your house a smothering home, with so many guests coming and with so many compliments. These decorative items make your home more vibrant and pleasing. But the thing is where to buy from? And there are many such online stores from where one can buy these decor. But are they any creative? Original? Certainly not and the place where you can get the most creative pieces is FleAffair.com.

Home decor for FleAffair.com is much more than just art pieces, for them it’s the quality time spent in finding such amazing decorative pieces for each individual to make their house look beautiful and they can cherish it for long.

There are many categories from which one can choose and get them a special place at their homes.

ACCESSORIES

Yeah! You can accessorize your house too, and these accessories include Bookends, Key holders, Tissue Boxes and Wall Hangings.  And all of these are a big part of home décor, when there are so many people around one tend to forget their car keys and key holders are the best option. Then to make your home more attractive one can prep it up with wall hangings as well.

KITCHEN & DINING

Eating your food on a table with nothing at all is just plain lunch or dinner. But with a beautiful dining table gives you a pleasant feeling when sitting with family. It includes Bar & Accessories, Dishware & Serving, Tableware, Utility Boxes and much more.
These Kitchen and dining accessories are of much help for the ladies, and there are so many good and new styled wooden trays which can be used to serve food. Secondly the utility boxes are a must to keep which makes the kitchen look stylish and unique. One can store food, spices in it and it gives an antique look to the kitchen.

FURNISHING

Furnishing is something one should consider to keep their rooms lively and beautiful. It includes Bed covers & Linens, Bed Sheets, Blanket & Quilt Covers, Cushions, Drapes, and Rugs & Carpets. Furnishing is quite a must to make your home look beautiful and astonishing. Having some flowery bed sheets and creative cushions makes your home or room look stunning. FleAffair come with some attractive blankets & Quilts makes you buy one for the cozy days.

GREENHOUSE

Something that beautifies the house is the greenhouse décor, which includes Artificial Bonsai, Artificial flowers, Artificial Plants, Arrangements, Bunches.  And this part is very important, getting your home corners done by some Bonsai and flowers is a great idea, no clutter of sand or a regular watering of plants. Nothing just beautiful pieces of art to make your home look gorgeous.

These are some great Home Décor categories you can scroll down with and buy yourself some amazing things and beautify your home. And yes it is always a pleasant feeling when one compliments how beautiful the house is.

So grab on the brooms to clean the corners of your places and make space for these attractive pieces to make your home look like sunshine.

Kolkata Flea Market

Kolkata with its rustic by lanes and bustling bazaars makes for every shopaholics dream destination.  Although there exist no dearth of bazaars and markets in the city of joy, when asked about the quintessential place to shop, Gariahat Market is the first name which comes up. Its sprawling maze of flea shops and stalls houses everything one can imagine.

The fervor towards shopping will lead you to the colorful camaraderie of ethnic wear products and accessories found at this market located at the crossroads of Gariahat Road and Rasbehari Avenue in the Ballygunge area of Kolkata.Let’s take a journey into the in numerous shopping avenues and find the best picks from the flea markets of Gariahat.

 

What’s The History?

Originating around the colonial era British Raj, Gariahat market has since been developed as the trade market within Southern Kolkata region. From its advent in the early 20th century, Gariahat and its surrounding markets have been widely recognized for representing Indian arts and crafts through an eclectic mix of products one can imagine. Housing more than 2000 flea vendors and stores, Gariahat market is aptly described as the colorful capital of Kolkata.

What To Shop?

If you are visiting Kolkata and are not sure where to shop, trust us and head towards Gariahat Market. For the market caters to ethnic Indian products ranging from clothing, jewellery, accessories, electronics, furniture and plants. Spanning across footpaths and bylanes, the market offers a sea full of shops, stores and vendors selling everything one can imagine.

 

 

 

Crowded with shoppers from all age groups enthusiastically looking at the variety, let’s take a deeper look into what Gariahat market has to offer :

1) Sarees : 

The best traditional and trendy sarees to buy in Kolkata. Hands Down. Gariahat market is aptly described as the saree capital of the country being home to a vast varieties of ethnic sarees in rich colors and fabrics. One of the most popular attire adorned by Bengali women, the market offers a bespoke collection of silk sarees such as - Benarasi sarees, Tussar silk sarees, Kanjeevaram sarees, Kantha silk sarees, Vishnupuri silk sarees and more. Suitable for festivities and occasions, silk sarees are readily available at affordable prices provided you can strike a good bargain!

Apart from silk, one of the most popular fabric worn by women in India is cotton and Gariahat market houses a mind boggling range of beautiful cotton sarees in delightful designs and pretty patterns. Being home to a variety of cotton looms and weaves, West Bengal is famous for cotton varities like – Shantipuri Cotton, Dhanikhali Cotton, Phulia Cotton and Begumpur Cotton – each having a signature finesse and feel to it. Gariahat market has shops and vendors brimming with the most elegant cotton saris in warm colors and bold borders. You can also find pure hand loom cotton sarees from a number of handicrafts emporiums and specialized stores in the market.

With changing times and trends, women are also choosing fashionable fabrics like georgette, chiffon, sheer and others. Crafted with heavy stone and zari work, Gariahat market is flourishing with beautiful designer and festive sarees in all their glory.

2. Suits :

If you are done saree hunting in Gariahat market, you can set your eyes on exclusive designer suits and salwar kameez. Similar to the mind boggling variety of sarees, you will be spoilt for choice when shopping for ladies suits with exquisite embroideries and materials. Available in all sizes and prices, you can find high quality suits and salwar kameez  in vibrant colors like blue, purple, magenta and others at value for money prices. Gariahat market is where every pleat of fabric turns out to be perfect!  You can also visit authentic handloom stores for exquisite Indian suits in vivid styles and fine fabrics.

 

3) Accessories :

It is said there is no household in Kolkata that doesn’t have something or the other brought from Gariahat market. From traditional Bengali jewellery houses to chic stores with artifacts and accessories, you can immerse yourself in an entire world of accessories. One can easily find - silk purses, jute bags, leather goods, neck pieces, earrings, bracelets, amulets, anklets and other types of jewellery for every budget. Contemporary yet modern, you can also shop for precious and semi-precious stones and gems. Besides modern accessories and jewellery items, Gariahat market is brimming with ethnic Bengali neck-pieces  such as – Chatai Haar, Phul Haar, Paati Haar, Ghunshi Haar and other intricately crafted women bangles and jewellery. A treasure trove indeed!

 

4) Everything Else :

It would be unfair to term the Gariahat market as a place only for the shopper. Apart from beautiful clothes and accessories, it has shops and vendors selling electronic items, hair and beauty products and cosmetics, wooden antique furniture items and plants. The local shops also sell crockery, cutlery and home decor products to give a custom touch to your adobe. Not to miss is the delicious food items including Bengali specialties and other cuisines as well. From the local flavors ‘Telabhaja’ and ‘Puchkas’ to classic street grubs like cutlets, samosas and rolls, the market offers huge a rich variety of restaurants and eateries to gorge on. After all, one really does need a tummy full for shop hogging in Gariahat Market!

A potpourri of ethnic Indian products, garments, furniture, accessories and jewellery, Gariahat market caters to the eclectic taste of local and tourist populace looking to shop their heart out for authentic, artsy and unique products at reasonable prices. Once there, you will be amazed by the sheer vastness of products brilliantly displaying our culture, craft and tradition in awe inspiring fashion! A must visit for its high octane energy and kaleidoscopic variety of products, Gariahat Market paints a perfect picture of Indian talent and craftsmanship with its flea market and shops.

Do you feel like flea shopping but can’t make it to Kolkata? Fret Not!

FleAffair brings the latest designs and assorted accessories at your doorstep. Shop traditional yet trendy apparel, jewellery and accessories to suit your style at affordable prices.

Get an authentic flea market experience online with FleAffair.

Rest Assured, we’re the next best thing to being in Kolkata! Happy Shopping!

Pick Jewelry which matches your wedding outfit

Pick Jewelry which matches your wedding outfit

Let’s start with the wedding lehenga, done. Hairstyle? Done. What’s left then? The most important thing is the jewelry which makes the bride look perfect.  And many a time’s brides with so much on their head wear the wrong jewelry. And this particular thing can break it or make it your day. Here are few things you should keep it in your mind before choosing your wedding jewelry.

 JUST DON’T COPY

Many brides make this mistake of copying a jewelry style which some other bride wore or from a magazine. And some brides ask others to bring their wedding jewelry which is in match with the color of their lehenga.
So always keep this in mind that according to your face and body structure carry the jewelry accordingly and don’t copy from somewhere or rely on someone else. And your bridal jewelry should always compliment your bridal lehenga.

 GO WITH THE WEDDING OUTFIT AS WELL

Don’t buy your wedding jewelry before your lehenga as they both should complement each other. The style of choli should be kept in mind when buying jewelry for you. And if in case you are wearing a saree you should wear things accordingly. Accessorize yourself in such a manner that it doesn’t look off beat. So try a saree and the buy you jewelry.
For example if your choli is filled with too much work so keep the jewelry simple and elegant.

 GO WITH MIX AND MATCH

 

Many a times it’s actually not important to wear same matching jewelry with your lehenga. If there is a jewelry which is of metal and goes well with your golden lehenga go for it like 200%.  Go for a light maang tikka with a heavy neckpiece it will go well on your face if the wedding lehenga is not so heavy.

NO REPETITION OF THE JEWELRY ON DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS

Never! People just look at you and by any chance you go for the same jewelry for two of your main functions you’ll for life going to regret it. Buy different outfits and buy jewelry for them accordingly, no need to have the same one even if it looks good with both.
And not just this make sure that your jewelry matches your entire attire including your footwear and bag if you are carrying any.

QUALITY IS MUST

Don’t go for a lame shopping when going for bridal jewelry. With the change in trends and new designs it is very much essential that one should buy trendy pieces. Buy that kind of jewelry which is not much expensive and can be worn off with other outfits after your marriage.
Always prefer a reputed store so if in case there is some issues at the last moment you can always go back and change.
Have a good market survey before buying the best jewelry for yourself; this is of much importance as you should be satisfied at the end.

So seems like most of your work is signed for your D-day, from choosing the right lehenga and going with the new dupatta style and now the best jewelry. All is soughed and you will look amazing.

DRAPING NOW AIN’T A PROBLEM

DRAPING NOW AIN’T A PROBLEM

Women can’t go with one fashion, so even on weddings one need to have different styles which can suit their personality. So why not drape your drop dupattas in a different way. So all you brides to be there are so many ways by which one can drape their lehenga’s and moreover the dupattas.
Here are some of the easy tricks by which one can drape their dupattas on the D-day and look amazing.

FRONT FLOW DUPATTA

This one is classy and elegant, and it is always done very neatly. And to drape this style one need to pleat the dupattas much neatly and pin it on your left shoulder. And once the dupattas falls behind you, from the front let your dupattas reach to the floor. Fold this side up and bring to your forearm. Tada done.

DOUBLE SIDED DRAPE STYLE

It’s among the most interesting dupatta styles which one can pull off. It is a combination of both seedha and ulta pallu. What you have to do is tuck the dupattas in the lehenga left from the centre. Wrap it around your hips and bring it forward. Take the dupatta over the left shoulder and wear it like a saree.
Nop! It’s not over now you have to bring one free end of the dupatta from under the left arm and tuck it at the left end. This drape style from one side gives a look of seedha pallu and from the other side gives a look of ulta pallu.

BACK U STYLE DUPATTA

This style is best when you are carrying a heavy dupattas. It is very simple to carry this dupatta as well. Pleat one end of the dupatta and arrange it neatly and pin it on the left side of the shoulder. Make sure that the dupatta falls in front and a little lower than the waist. For the other end of the dupatta bring it to the front on the right side.
It’s quite simple and now you can wrap the dupatta on the wrist or even tuck it in your lehenga. This will form a U turn at the back.

BONG STYLE DUPATTA

This is the inspiration from the Bengali saree, and looks great on Indian brides. So brides who want to try something different on their wedding. So for that pleat the dupattas and pin it up on your right shoulder. Then take one of the corners of dupattas from front side and wrap it around your waist and tuck it in your lehenga.
After this take one corner of the back side dupattas and bring it over the left shoulder. Pleat it accordingly with neatness and wola you are done.

These are some of the tricks which will surely help you look amazing on your D-day and you can be the sunshine. Just remember that heavy embroidered dupattas can be worn in many ways but don’t overdo. If the dupattas is meant to be left simple let it be, you will still look great and beautiful.

A prerequisite for any Indian Bride: Her Traditional Bridal Dress

 

Indian weddings with their colorful, dazzling and alluring aura are a trademark of India’s rich culture and heritage. India has a colorful mosaic of vibrant and
flamboyant people with their traditions, cultures, religions, beautiful monuments, and a variety of cuisines.   The weddings in the country are usually very extravagant, lavish and profuse. Every young Indian bride desires for a big fat wedding and craves to look their best for the same. It is probably the spirit of this occasion that transforms every so-called ‘plain-Jane’ into a stunning and gorgeous bride. The traditional dress is usually a wedding sari or a wedding lehenga coupled with expensive and charming jewelry and heavy make-up to compliment the same. But the beautiful, intricate designs of henna or mehandi, are pre-eminent in this auspicious occasion.  The bridal wear varies from state to state depending on their traditions, religious belief and culture. The customary color of the Indian bridal sari, usually for Hindus, is red and is accompanied with golden embellishments, embroidery or ornamentation. Christian brides from Kerala on the other hand wear a white silk sari or a western bridal gown complimented with no or minimal accessories.  The traditionally red silk sari is being replaced by fabrics like Georgette, crepe, chiffon, satin, cotton-silk, tissue etc. There also have been variations in the color of the sari, unlike the regular red, and they are, green, yellow, gold, pink, maroon and brown.

 

 

THE KASHMIRI BRIDAL DRESS

The Kashmiri bridal wear is very elaborate and detailed. The bride wears an embroidered (usually a hand embroidery) wedding lehenga done in complex zari work which is quite bedazzled and shimmery.  The lehenga is usually in a red, yellow or green color. The traditional Kashmiri bridal dress which many brides prefer to wear is called the Pehran, which consists of two long, detached gowns, one on top of the other, the hem being below the knees for Muslims, falling to the feet for Hindus, which is usually done in aari or hook embroidery, also at the neck, cuffs and edges. Muslims wear the sleeves wide and open and Hindus wear narrow ones with turned up ends.

The Pehran is matched with a tight shalwar and shoes called Gurgabi which is done in heavy bead and sequence embroidery and also zari work. Kashmiri brides love jewellery, headgears, arm cuffs and hoops. They wear a headgear called Kalpush. It is a cap lined with silk or cotton on the inside which is folded two to three times. Over the Kalpush a long piece of white scarf/cloth is wrapped in three to four layers which is called the Zoojh. A white glace paper is stitched over the Zoojh. The complete headwear is called the Tarang. Haligandun is a Pashmina belt one and a half metres wide and two metres long which is tied to the waist and its edges are embroidered with golden and silk threads. The Kashmiri Hindu brides wear a pair of Dejharoo which has a similar significance of that of a mangal-sutra, is a pair of golden pendants which hangs on a silk thread or gold chain through holes pierced at the top of the ear lobes. The Kashmiri Muslim brides wear a bunch of earrings, a thick silver chain supports the weight. They wear gold/silver jewellery with minakari work done in precious stones like ruby and emeralds.   

 

 

THE PUNJABI BRIDAL DRESS

The Punjabi bridal wear is very lively, vibrant and intricately designed. Wedding saris are not as popular with Punjabi brides as their traditional attire which includes lehenga or salwar-kameez. These are usually red in colour but can vary from pink to orange in colour. The auspicious colour of the bridal dress for the Anand Karaj (a Sikh marriage ceremony symbolic of a ‘Blissful Union’ or ‘Joyful union’), as it signifies prosperity, opulence and success in a bride’s married life. The traditional attire is one in beautiful bead and applique work and also embroidered to perfection. The fabrics used are mostly raw silk, georgette, velvet and net. The fabric is beautified with complex zari work, resham work, patch border work or even phulkari. The dupatta is embroidered with dotted with hand-beaded work usually in gold and the border done in gorgeous gold/silk embroidery. The dupatta is draped over her head and shoulders and is pinned safely or left loosely as long as her hair is covered while she is being wed in the temple of Gurudwara in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. The bride along with her wedding lehenga or sari wear a long necklace called Ranihaar which is a heavy ornament made of gold. The bride also wears red and white ivory bangles called ‘Chooras’ which signify her status as a newly married bride. Along with these she also wear gold bangles gifted by her family. Kaleere or Kalira are two dome-shaped gold plated ornaments that are often light-weight and are tied to the bride’s chooras by her relatives to convey their blessings and good wishes for her future. Just like in the western culture, a bride throws a bouquet of flowers at the eligible girls with her backed turned to them, the one who grabs it being the next to get married, a Punjabi bride lightly bangs her Kaleere on their heads which signify that these girls would get married next. The bride also wears a maang tikka or pendant tikka and a nose ring called nath usually gifted to her by her maternal uncle.



 

 

 

 

 

Perks of Being an Online Shopper- Its Merits & Privileges

 

Who doesn’t love shopping? I do, you do, everyone does, whether you admit it or not! Be it clothing, accessories, home decor or groceries, everyone loves to ‘shop till they drop’ whether they are down to the last penny or not! Shopping has been an obsession and a craze since its inception in the ancient era of Greece and Rome, when they made use of marketplaces, which were called, Agora and Forum respectively. Further, Shopping can give credit for its existence to the emergence of the consumer society in the 18^th century in Great Britain when the purchasing power of the British started to increase. So this passion, and this rage and desire for shopping within us,have been carried down from our old folks from generations to generations.

 

WANT OR NEED?

There was a time when people bought goodies for their basic needs and requirements. Well, they still do but not really. Most of us nowadays, don’t buy products for our necessity rather for our pleasure. Our wants overpower our needs! But, is it really that bad? To some extent, yes. But again it’s all on you, it’s your choice and you own it.

INCEPTION OF ONLINE SHOPPING

Times have changed and so have people, the society, their ethics and morals and, technology is making remarkable progress and advancement day by day. Technology has also aided in the development of shopping methods. The time when people made efforts to go to a specific shopping destination physically and purchase their items, has now been replaced by a virtual system of shopping through the internet, namely, an online market. This revolutionary invention was pioneered by Michael Aldrich, a British, who is also known as the ‘Father of Online Shopping’, in the year 1979 when he invented the Videotex , which is a technology that basically includes a TV with a computer-like format  with a menu and it also included a transaction process via the telephone line. Now don’t complain! You need to brush up on some history, alright? History, of something you love and something you can live for or die for. You ought to thank the pioneer!

 

ITS BENEFITS

• Online shopping or Online market, has provided to all of us a platform which makes available for us abundance of goods and services. We need no longer go all the way to a mall/shop when we’d rather purchase things with a click of a button.

• It’s made life for us so easy! You can buy things anytime and anywhere!You save time. A lot of time. Whether it’s on your phone or laptop, the online market is easily accessible.

• You also have a variety of choices and categories to choose from. Which further makes it easier for you to compare the price and qualityof different website. The quality is not always guaranteed once you received the product, but, that depends on whether you bought it off a genuine website or not. It also depends on the third-party supplier, whether they compromise on the quality or not. But that doesn’t stop us in anyway, because majority of times people are satisfied and contented with their purchase.

• No worries about being exhausted, physically- We have all taken advantage of shopping via the online market, and I believe it has become more or less a habit for us all. A part of our daily chores, in fact! Shopping in general, be it for a woman or a man, is a time-consuming process which can be tiresome too. But as for shopping online, there is absolutely and thoroughly no reason to worry about all of that, you could go as far as being lethargic or sleepy, but no, you won’t be heavy-breathing and no, you won’t be wiping off sweat from your forehead or over your upper lips!

• The facility of online market is available to you 24x7 but that doesn’t mean you have to sit infront of the screen and tire your eyes for the same. I know people go hours and hours looking for that special something(s) and they end up buying just one or two of them. We are so used to shopping online, that we buy even the smallest of things, and if there are shipping/delivery charges pertaining to it, it doesn’t really matter to us, we buy it anyway! Probably because you may get a better choice and quality of products.

• Look at the brighter side! Somebody once quoted ‘I am a shopaholic, I am helping the economy’. Well, Yes you are! According to a research, India ranks no.3 when it comes to the numbers of internet users- 354 million as of June 2015. More internet users meaning a higher advantage for companies to showcase their products and sell them via the online market. Bingo! It has raised a bar for them and in turn is a huge benefit for the burgeoning Indian Economy.

• Another aspect of e-shopping that attracts us is the offers and discounts, and how we can avail gift vouchers and coupon codes easily and how the ‘Buy one, get one free’ tactics, catches our attention.

 

Plan it out well:  There are times when we don’t have anything specific in mind to buy, or even if we do, the varieties, lists and numbers of products and websites available to us, confuses us further. There are times when your shopping cart is overloaded but…This is the bitter truth…*goes online shopping* *puts everything they want in a cart* *checks subtotal* *laughs and closes tab* Yep, that’s pretty much it. This is the‘Story of our lives’. I’d suggest you plan it out well before-hand.

Sort & Filter-But, online market/shopping websites, provide to their customer a facility wherein they can sort the number of products according to their cost (Low to High/High to Low), discount or popularity. You can also filter the products according to your choice, supposedly, you want to buy a black dress, you can filter the color you want, the size, the style etc. and the changes will be made accordingly. Or, you could even use the search engine of the website. Easy-P easy! Don’t be too hard on yourselves!

Most of the online market websites now a days have a reliable and well-grounded customer care service available for their customers/consumers 24x7 or at particular timings. So, keep shopping! But, shop wise!

Kudos Shopaholics!