Be traditional this Sankranti!

Makar Sankranti is the first festival post-New Year also marks the end of winter. We are always excited for the harvest festival as we indulge in various activities from taking part in kite flying to the bonfire to eating scrumptious food and spending quality time with family. While varying sets of rituals and traditional clothes mark this day for different communities you can try them according to your mood this season.

Telugu style
Dressing up like a south Indian diva on the day of Pongal is sure to brighten up your celebration. Go with shades of yellow, lime green, mustard yellow with a colourful zari border or embroidery for the evening. Wear shades of pink (a living coral, which is the colour of the year), Kanjeevaram style check sari with a white off-shoulder shirt, which will certainly make a statement! However, try to avoid heavy fabrics to be comfortable.

Maharashtrian style
On this occasion, women wear a particular pattern of black saree known as ‘Chandrakala’. Though it’s a lost tradition, you can revamp it for the evening. Wear an ethnic black dress featuring shimmering embellishments. Keep it light and flowy in a fashionable Chandrakala inspired look. Take the fusion route and flaunt your stylish side in a black cape. Throw in a full or knee-length cape over a top or dress. Complete the look with sparkling statement jewellery.

Punjabi style
Don a Punjabi-style Patiala salwar with a crop top or a cape instead of a kameez in earthy colours with traditional zardozi work. Accessorise it with silver jhumkis and jhutis. Wear a plain yellow kurta and white palazzos to exude understated elegance. With this style, you are sure to set a new fashion trend for any Lohri festivities.

Gujarati style celebration
Bandhanis are a speciality of Gujarat. Flaunt your style this Makar Sankranti in Bandhani saree or bandhani straight fit or flared pants. Wear a saree for a graceful, ethnic look with a modern twist to kick start the Sankranti celebrations. Flaunt traditional patchwork, embroidery or prints with a hint of black, yellow or pink to stay true to the occasion. Throw a khadi jacket on a bandhani long-shirt with embellishments and team it up with cotton palazzo. This look is elegant, stylish and will keep you warm on a cold night.

Revel in the celebrations of Makar Sankranti in style, make the first festival of 2018 a fashionable affair. Tell us which style you will choose for this year celebration! Tag us @thehansindia and @deepikasarode with #THISS2019.

- Deepika Sarode
The writer is the founder of PikaLove, a sustainable fashion label