Diwali Fashion: The Significance of Colors, Patterns, and Styles in Celebrating the Festival of Lights
The Significance of Diwali in Indian Culture
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture. It signifies the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The celebration corresponds with the Hindu New Year and marks a period of new beginnings.
Diwali is associated with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune, because during this festival, people believe that by worshiping and seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, they will be blessed with prosperity and abundance in their lives. Therefore, Diwali is celebrated as a time to invite Lakshmi into homes and businesses, seeking her blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
Credit image: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Lakshmi, embodying prosperity in all its aspects, was one of the earliest female divinities in India to attain a standalone stature among the pantheon of gods. In this depiction, she is seated on a throne, holding a citron (jambhira) and a cornucopia. Her lion serves as her transport and is positioned under her seat.
Furthermore, Diwali symbolizes the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya from a long exile, a narrative central to The Ramayana, one of South Asia's greatest literary epics. Prince Rama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, epitomizing righteousness and virtue. A conspiracy by one of his stepmothers led to Rama's 14-year exile from his kingdom, Ayodhya. This period of exile not only tested his character but also paved the way for him to fulfill his destiny as the hero of The Ramayana. Throughout his exile, Rama faced numerous challenges. Notably, he slew the demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife, Sita. Rama's unwavering dedication to righteousness, coupled with his triumphant return to Ayodhya, symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Credit image: Metropolitan Museum of Art
From the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Sita and Rama: The Ramayana in Indian Painting,” held from August 2019 until August 2020.
The festival lasts for five days, and the exact dates are determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This year, Diwali starts on Friday, November 10.
Fashion During Diwali
Fashion takes center stage during Diwali. Traditional attire like sarees for women and kurtas for men became the norm. A saree, typically consisting of a long piece of fabric draped around the body in various styles, is a traditional garment worn by women. On the other hand, kurtas, a type of long shirt or tunic usually reaching up to the knee or below, are worn by men. Sarees and kurtas are not merely traditional garments; they represent a crucial aspect of Indian heritage and culture.
Kurtas embody simplicity and comfort while offering versatility. Their design makes them suitable for both formal and informal occasions. Wearing a kurta during Diwali represents embracing tradition and indulging in the festive spirit of the holiday. Both sarees and kurtas, with their myriad colors and patterns, add to the vibrancy of the Diwali celebrations, making the festival a visually stunning spectacle.
Many people opt for new clothes during Diwali, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. These outfits often feature vibrant colors that reflect the joyous spirit of the festival. The choice of colors, patterns, and styles carries cultural significance and is chosen to symbolize prosperity and positivity.
The vibrant colors featured in outfits during Diwali are deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual symbolism of the festival. Each color has its own significance in Hindu philosophy, and they are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the meanings they represent.
Red, for example, signifies power and passion. It is often worn by brides in India because it symbolizes fertility and prosperity. Yellow, representing learning and knowledge, is an auspicious color for this festival that celebrates Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Green stands for life and fertility, while blue, associated with the god Krishna, is the color of the divine.
These colors are not only vibrant and festive, but they also carry deep cultural and religious significance. Wearing these colors during Diwali is a way of invoking these positive qualities and blessings.
Patterns and styles also have cultural significance. Many traditional Indian patterns have specific meanings and are often inspired by nature, religious motifs, or geometric designs. For instance, the paisley pattern, which originated in the Indian subcontinent, is thought to symbolize the totality of life within a drop, fertility, and abundance.
Image credit: www.bbc.com
The paisley pattern has a rich history, originating in Persia and India, and symbolizes fertility and eternity. The pattern gained popularity in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries via luxurious Kashmir shawls. Notable brands such as Saint Laurent, Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and JW Anderson have incorporated paisley into their designs.
Similarly, the style of clothing chosen for Diwali can reflect regional traditions, personal beliefs, and respect for cultural heritage. Traditional attire like sarees and kurtas are preferred because they connect individuals to their roots and celebrate Indian craftsmanship.
Jewelry and accessories also play a vital role in Diwali fashion. Women often adorn themselves with gold jewelry, believing it brings good luck. Accessories like bindis and bangles are commonly worn. While there is no strict dress code for Diwali, dressing up in traditional attire is seen as a mark of respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival.
Styling Tips for Diwali
If you are looking to incorporate traditional Indian fashion into your Diwali celebrations, here are a few tips:
Sari: Draping a sari can seem daunting, but with a bit of practice, it's manageable. Choose a sari with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Pair it with a blouse that complements the sari.
Kurta: For men, a kurta is a comfortable and stylish choice. Opt for a kurta in rich, festive colors like maroon, royal blue, or gold.
Accessories: Round off your look with traditional Indian jewelry. For women, consider wearing bangles, earrings, and a bindi. Men can wear a traditional Indian shoe known as 'mojari' for an authentic look.
Remember, the goal is to celebrate the festival with joy and positivity. So, choose outfits and accessories that make you feel good and reflect the spirit of Diwali.
Sources:
"Diwali." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali.
"The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lakshmi, Goddess of Prosperity | India (Himachal Pradesh). 2023. www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/78910."
"When in Diwali in 2023? History, Significance, Importance..." Times of India, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/when-in-diwali-in-2019-history-significance-importance-story-and-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/71723775.cms.
"Diwali is the Indian festival of lights. Here's what to know..." National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/diwali-history-customs-indian-festival-of-lights.
"What is Diwali? | University of Central Florida News." University of Central Florida News, https://www.ucf.edu/news/what-is-diwali/.
"Diwali | A Guide to Religious Observances." Brandeis University, https://www.brandeis.edu/spiritual-life/resources/guide-to-observances/diwali.html.
