This Durga Puja, I’ve bought a yellow Dhakai sari: Darshana

My Pujo shopping started in August itself. I am extremely meticulous, so when it comes to Pujo shopping, I make a list and make sure that I don’t miss out on anyone’s gift. No matter what I buy all through the year, I have to buy new clothes during this time. This year, with my father’s gift cheque, I bought two sets of cotton salwar suits. One is printed and the other one is in a solid colour. I am yet to buy a matching dupatta with one of the sets. I love buying traditional saris and whenever I get a chance, Pujo or otherwise, I slip into a sari. This year, I’ve bought a green and blue Baluchari.A Dhakai sari is a must for me during Pujo and this year, too, I’ve got my hands on a beautiful, yellow Dhakai from Bangladesh.I also plan to buy a white and gold South silk. I bought a pink handloom sari and a red cotton sari that I’ve kept aside for anjali. Also, I took the trouble of buying matching jewellery with each of my outfits to the extent that I’ve also bought new bindis! I picked jhumkas which will go well with my ethnic sets. For footwear, I have bought block heels and flats because they are best for pandal-hopping owing to the comfort they offer. I’ve suddenly developed a fetish for lipsticks! So, I’ve picked eight lipsticks, all in shades of pink, peach and brown. I gifted a red punjabi to Baba and a white and green Dhakai to my grandmother. For my uncle, I’ve bought a blue kurta and I gifted a printed silk sari to my aunt. I bought handloom saris for my household helps as they are indispensable in my life. For two of my childhood friends, I’ve bought sunglasses and kurta. I’m yet to receive my Pujo gifts from them! I love to gift my near and dear ones during Pujo because I feel it strengthens the bond between all of us.Gifts galoreFor father: Red panjabiFor grandmother: White and green DhakaiFor aunt: Printed silk sariFor uncle: Blue kurtaFor friends: Sunglasses and kurtaFor self: Lipsticks, Dhakai sari, block-heeled footwearFor staff: Handloom sarisPIX : Anindya Saha