Diwali Festive Fashion From A South Indian Perspective

 There has always been something magical about ethnic fashion in the South Indian landscape. Rooted in heritage, and honouring tradition above all else, the choice of clothes worn at festivities in South India are an homage to the very reasons behind the origin of these celebrations. 

Diwali is one of the most celebrated Indian festivals, celebrated with pomp and splendour across the world. The festival marks the homecoming of Lord Rama, back to Ayodhya. 

South Indian fashion has a unique way of honouring Diwali, by way of visual aesthetics that emphasise the auspiciousness of the occasion. 

In this article, let us take a deeper look at some of the best and most beautifully remarkable ways in which South Indian attire conveys the message and emotions of Diwali:

Sarees and Their Significance To Diwali

Kanjeevaram Sarees- God’s Own Choice For Diwali

• While recorded history says that Kanchi Pattu sarees are one of the oldest textile art forms of India, a mythological story traces the origin of the saree back to the Gods. 
• The Gods’ personal weaver, Sage Markandeya, was the creator of the Kanjivaram garment and his descendants have carried on its legacy on earth. 
• Kanjeevaram’s beauty and grace is a natural choice for one of the most celebrated festivals across the world- Diwali. 
• Not only is the saree highly auspicious, but its radiant beauty adds a distinct joy to the festival of lights. 

Banarasi Sarees- Representing Indian Heritage At Diwali

• In India, if there is one saree whose beauty and value is as revered as the Kanjeevaram saree, it is the Banarasi saree. 
• Famous for its brocade work and the inherent glow of the fabric, the Banarasi silk saree is prized for its auspiciousness, beauty, and durability, that is prized by women across all generations. 
• The designs on Banarasi sarees are influenced by the history and culture of India, which is what makes this such a stunning choice for Diwali- a festival that is so deeply rooted in our heritage. 

Paithani Sarees- Reflecting The Joy Of Diwali

• If there is one saree whose auspiciousness has been defined by its incomparable beauty, it is the Pure Silk Paithani Sarees.  
• A king famously ordered to be presented with a brand new Paithani garment everyday before his prayer rituals, which actually caused the mass migration of weavers to another state, making it the future hub of Paithani saree production. 
• The intense time-taking process of making a Paithani saree is a testament to the love and devotion of the craftsmen towards the art- two qualities that uplift the occasion of Diwali with respect and joy. 
• That’s what makes a Paithani saree such an eye-pleasing choice for Diwali. The colours are representative of the aura of a nation drenched in happiness and the quality of the saree is a mark of prosperity, one of the greatest emotional signifiers of Diwali, which one wishes for in their future. 

Other sarees and their connection to Diwali & Other Indian Festivities

Any art form is defined by the culture of its makers and the times it is made in. 

The Gadwal sarees or the Kuppadam sarees, each with its own unique radiance and design, make for an elegant choice for Indian festivals, including Diwali. 

Even the organza fabric, which is currently used to make some of the trendiest sarees in India today, comes from the combined history between China and India, marked by the Silk Route. 

Traditional Indian sarees are not just important because they have been worn and made for generations, but because of the role they played in shaping India’s culture over time. 

They are also reflective of the changing face of Diwali festivities, while retaining a strong connection to the origins and emotions of the celebration.

Choosing traditional fabrics and timeless drapes is the South Indian way of remembering the true lessons of Diwali, along with the rich culture of India that prizes the festival and everything it signifies, all the while partaking in the festivities. 

Conclusion

While South Indian fashion prioritises traditional wear on Diwali, it also incorporates a healthy dose of trends and style. This is done by the choice of fabrics and a slight experimentation with silhouettes and draping styles. 

Let us not forget that jewellery plays a crucial role in South Indian fashion, making it a crucial element of any look. Dress your best this Diwali with some of the most elegant ethnic wear, that gives you the freedom to experiment with your style while staying true to tradition.