Durga Puja 2026: Celebrate the festival with these unique traditional Indian weaves

With the city celebrating the arrival of Goddess Durga on Mahalaya on Saturday the festive spirit calls for a wardrobe that respects tradition while embracing contemporary drapes Beyond the different styles of sarees it is the drape that keeps the tradition alive We spoke to entrepreneur and saree connoisseur Sharoni Sen who suggests looking beyond the Banarasi to traditional weaves from Bengal Odisha and Tamil Nadu From Jamdani motifs to Odisharsquos distinctive borders choose from our picks to wear this pujoThe classic Laal PaarThe Laal Paar Shari which translates to a redbordered saree is a Bengali classic Its familiar white body and red border make it a traditional choice for puja rituals and festive celebrations Often paired with a red blouse gold jewellery and a red bindi the drape is particularly popular for occasions like Sindoor Khela and other Durga Puja ritualsDhakai TangailCombining Jamdaniinspired motifs with Bengalrsquos Tangail weaving tradition this saree offers a slightly more substantial drape than sheer muslin Its intricate patterns and structured weave make it a versatile choice for festive occasions The fine motifs contrasting borders and its light weight make it suitable for every moment from daytime pandal visits to evening gatheringsSharoni SenFor the experimentalistsFor those keen to explore beyond Bengali weaves Sen suggests Sungudi Coimbatore and Chettinad sarees from Tamil Nadu Each originates from a distinct weaving tradition and offers a different option for festive dressingDhakai JamdaniOriginating in Dhaka the Dhakai Jamdani is known for its lightweight fabric and intricate hand woven motifs The weave has a long history dating back to the Mughal era Its Persianderived name combines lsquojamrsquo meaning flower and lsquodanirsquo meaning vase or container Rather than being printed the motifs are woven into the fabric Sen advises preserving an original piece as authentic Dhakai Jamdani can be difficult to sourceOdisha KotkiAlso known as the Cuttack saree Kotki sarees are distinguished by their ikat patterns created through a resistdyeing technique before weaving Their geometric motifs and intricate borders often draw inspiration from Odisharsquos cultural heritage including the chariot wheels of the Konark Sun Temple The mix of traditional patterns and vibrant colours gives these handloom sarees a distinctive identity making them an interesting alternative to the familiar Bengali drapesJewellery codeSen suggests simple looks and exploring accessories crafted by tribal communities and local artisans These traditional elements add texture and character to a saree without competing with its weave Options includeOxidised silver Terracotta Jute BambooOxidised silverTerracottaBrassBambooJuteOn the saree trail Bengal Handloom CentreAt Padmavati Kripa Building Mahatma Gandhi Road Goregaon WestCall 8779383675 Handloom CentreAt Kalakar Kanubhai Desai Marg Santacruz Railway Station Road Santacruz WestCall 26487970 Saree GharAt Shop Number 6 N Mercantile Building Ranade Road near Nakshatra Dadar WestCall 8369861331 KalaniketanAt Veer Nariman Opposite Churchgate Station Churchgate Also at JuhuCall 9555779999 Bailou BombayAt Ground Floor Tanna House opposite YMCAScindia Society Police Colony Apollo Bunder ColabaCall 8902495900 ParamaCalcuttaLog on to paramacalcuttacom Balaram SahaLog on to balaramsahacom