Ladies, we know that we have set aside our favourite 6 yards of textile for quite some time now. Taking it out once in a while, only to sun dry, iron and put it back again. But it's about time we got those beautiful silk katans, khadis, linens and cotton saris out again and not just to marvel at the beauty, but to wear. Yes! It's time to drape mom's regal handloom sari once again and pair it with some antique jewellery to revive the fashionista that we used to be before the pandemic.

So, here's a list of ideas from Shaptami to Dashami for all of you style divas out there.

Shaptami: You want to begin the festivities on a tasteful note, therefore go light on this particular day. Wear saris with minimal embroidery, motifs or embellishments.

Instead, be extravagant on the jewellery, flaunting an exclusive shita haar with pearl attachments and intricate Bengali churs, preferably in antique gold.

Our favourite colours for the season are earthy tones such as dirt browns and dusty yellows.

Remember to keep the makeup clean, with a dab on kohl on your lower lids and lips in the nude. If you want to add some deshi drama into your style, let your tresses flow free.

Ashtami: Puja is incomplete without wearing the jamdani at least on one of the many occasions. A deshi fashionista misses out on being flawless without the classic and traditional 'white and red' jamdani in her wardrobe.

Don't fret if you still don't have one because it's never too late to buy your next jamdani. However, the look suggested for this year could be slightly different. Since it's a slightly toned-down puja due to obvious reasons, let's not allow the pandemic to subdue our enthusiasm — let's go overboard with our looks, even with the traditional.

If some of you own gold crowns in your stock of jewellery, and you didn't know what to do with especially after you wedding night, well then, it's about time you could wear it again to resemble the goddess herself. Remember to pair it with other basic jewellery like a single layered necklace and a pair of medium sized antique danglers.

Stick to clean makeup with a primer, kohl and lips in soft matte shades of pink. If you want to add a little more drama, then add in highlights to your cheeks and keep on dazzling like the sun. 

Navami: This year, it is predicted that Ashtami and Navami will fall on the same day. So, the third look can actually be for the night. Take out your favourite piece of deshi katan, panchampally or kanjivaram silk, because nothing less than the best will do. Pair this beautiful look with an abundance of gold bangles, traditional jhumkas, wristlets and the shita haar. To give a twist to the traditional, you may add a bit of fusion to the look — with a halter neck blouse or going completely sleeveless. Compliment the look by tying your hair in a high bun, pinning it with a gold clip. For the makeup, add to the drama with blood red lips and an abundance of blush and highlighter.

Dashami: This is the final day; and you want to outshine all your other looks— maybe even steer clear of the traditional.  It's time to take out all your georgettes, chiffons, nets, kota, muslins and organza out of the drawer. To dial the level of styling up a notch, break away from the regulars and dive into modern laces, zari work, floral embroideries, screen prints and more.

Tone down on the jewellery with authentic pearls or precious stones with a dab of gold in it. Be more dramatic with the make-up, with smoky eyes, gelled hair, false lashes and mascara. The one last thing that would set you on fire is the red dot between your eyebrows.

Every occasion has its end, and so does the glamorous puja. As you smear each other with sindoor, laugh and giggle — remember to pray for a safe passage out of the pandemic.

May the jamdanis, traditional katans and deshi silk wrap you up in nostalgia as you bid adieu to Ma Durga.