NAVRATRI – The Dress Code

I rummage through my wardrobe, a yellow sari and a blue kurta. Uff, I’m done. Just the peacock green left, I sigh victoriously “Sari or salwar kameez?” I call out to my husband.

“Sari.” He mumbles, with his gaze fixed on the monitor.

“All right, peacock green sari it is. And a few accessories as well. Shopping this weekend?” I

ask again.

“Colours, shopping! Oh yes, I remember now. When’s Navratri coming?” He smiles

mischievously.

“Four days.” I can’t hide my excitement. I’ve sorted all the colours and some matching

jewellery.

“Hold on, hold on.” My husband hushes me down. “What’s with this colour code craze every year? None of these fads existed when we were young, wonder who decides the colours. And to think there are people who religiously adhere to all this.”

“Hey!” I stop him right there. “These colours symbolize various Avataras of Ma Durga. Mata Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Each form of Maa Durga is also associated with a specific colour and has a special meaning. So, it’s not some random WhatsApp forward, okay? Just because you aren’t a believer, I needn’t follow suit, right?”

He shrugs and I go back to my enthusiastic self, scrutinizing the phone to double-check the colours. As I pack the clothes for laundry, I reflect on what my spouse just said. It’s not just him, there are many who voice the very same view. Well, let me tell you what the Navratri code means to me.

It’s not like I believe that breaking the rule would bring me bad luck or jinx my day. I don’t do it out of compulsion or superstition. It’s as simple as saying, that these colours give me something to look forward to, for those ten days of Pooja. In my busy and mundane life, I eagerly await the Navratri list for the year.

Might sound a little puerile, but colleagues and me, we make plans. Whether to drape a sari or don an Anarkali. Whether the blouse or dupatta should be in contrast. We discuss, we twin, we exchange ornaments, click pictures, and make merry. We shop together for those rare colours we don’t own, matching accessories notwithstanding.

For us women, mornings normally begin with the most vital decision for the day; what to cook for the three meals, what to pack for the lunch box, which clothes to wash, etc etc. The rest of the day whizzes by, at office and home, with files, excel sheets, projects and homework. When do we make a little time for ourselves?

Some mock, “You are forty, a working professional, with responsibilities at home as well, why do you indulge in such childish customs?”

If decking up, pampering myself with some new outfits and make-up, and spending time with myself, even if it’s for just ten days in a year, makes me happy and content, why should I even care what others think? Navratri is a celebration of womanhood, and I am more than just a wife and mom, I deserve to splurge on myself too.

Poojo Pandals, Garba Mandals, discounts, sweets, food… ten days of pure bliss. And apart from all this, I await the first day, Monday, the day of White. As my city Mumbai gears up for the festivities, immersed in the festive fervour, festooned in all its gaiety, why not us ladies have some fun too?

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