Queen Bee

We start with a Banarasi which is evidently the Queen of Sarees. It is a magnificently woven silk saree from the ancient Hindu city of Varanasi. They are the finest sarees with intricate designs made in gold and silver zari. These weavers clearly have magic in their hands to spin such beauties. It has always been a part of all ceremonial and festive occasions. Its the hot favorite and a must have for any Indian bride, owing to its rich royal look. This particular soft grey & pink combination of Banarasi Katan silk was sourced during my impulsive whirlwind trip to Banaras, had been desperately waiting to be worn for the right occasion. As much as the saree, I was also looking forward to draping this beauty!

When you are used to having a live in domestic help for past 20 yrs and suddenly she decides to go on leave (for 2 full months) during the festive season, you truly feel the sky has fallen on your head. It’s a well known fact that most independent women are highly dependent on their house help & I am no exception. Diwali is always an open house for us with family & friends dropping by and we have a very informal festive gathering with Puja, friends, food & bursting of crackers at the end of the session before we call it a day. The Rangoli decorations, the lights, the yummylicious food, Laxmi Puja at office & home, the colourful clothing, the jewellery ensemble is all in all a fun affair for the entire family. The planning starts pretty much from our summer trip to India.

This time, having already worked on my own for the past one month, I thought I will let it go easy and not stretch myself too much. Would probably get food stuff from out, do with some ready made decorations & not immerse myself into the ocean of after-party winding up. Ahha….my younger one had different plans. Since she was going to have her mid term break during Diwali, madam was all excited and had been making plans for past 10 days. I was keeping quiet thinking that it will pass, but nope, so 2 days before Diwali I decided to pull up my socks and get going. Had to capitalize on my multi tasking skills, so Rangoli, flower decoration, food, friends & crackers was all there with full pomp!! My daughter was super excited and lent me a helping hand much to my delight. She was the major force behind the Rangoli decorations, which actually takes a lot of my time. It was a blessing to have her in charge of that. After all the hard work and party preparations, the silver lining was to dress up, to wear this butter smooth silk. What better occasion than Diwali for this lovely Queen Bee to be draped. The soft grey accentuated by the bright hot pink was love at first sight for me. Diwali is the only time where you can wear your jewelry & not feel conscious about it. My jewelry affair for the entire year, starts and ends with Diwali. So here I do take up that extra effort to air these otherwise locked up beauties.

There was standing instructions to all the friends visiting that all they needed to do is appreciate every damn thing, right from decorations to food to my attire ;) People took it a bit too seriously and kept appreciating a little too much. But that's fine. I'm quiet modest. Besides, how else do you get that extra dose of moral boost!!!!!!