A cup of Assam Tea

     Last year around this time, I was bombarded with so many outfit posts especially, Indian inspired as this time kick starts the Indian festive season. As now we are coexisting with Covid-19 , social appearance is really limited and of course, dressing up as well.  But, the other day I was invited to my neighbor's place for Lord Krishna's birthday, which we called Krishna Janmashtami. As Covid-19 is in my mind,  with full precaution, I decided to attend, as I have wonderful memories of Krishna Janmashtami celebration of those idyllic days of childhood and growing up. Also, took the opportunity for dressing up. Interestingly, I have kurta and skirt in Banarsi Silk motif of Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and blue Banarasi Dupatta and antique silver necklace and earring with a silver bangle. The look is simple enough for casual get together and dressy enough for any low key celebration.  I finished with silver sandals and a blue bindi. Do you kn...

Cool things to do in Majuli 1. Satras - Visit the Satras and experience the socio-cultural institution of Assam and the institution of Art, Music and culture pioneer of the neo-vaishnavite movement and experience the abundant spirituality. A. If you get a chance, enjoy Satriya dance in the Satras, the classical dance form of Assam. B. Visit the award-winning mask making in Samaguri Satra where the mythological characters get alive in the hands of artists. C. Visit the museum of Auniati Satra; however, you are not allowed to take pictures yet get mesmerized by a collection of art from the history. 2. Food - Majuli does not have typical restaurant cultural. Depending on where you stay, you will ultimately get a chance to indulge in local assamese cuisine. Mild yet delectably cooked assamese food. 3. Wear a Mekhla Chadar- It is not mandatory to wear the traditional outfit in Majuli .   When you visit Satras, you see most people in their tradition...

      Indian festive season just kick-started. If you are passionate about Indian ethnics then definitely, it opens up the plethora of possibilities for wearing Indian wear. If you are following me you know, I am Indian girl staying in the USA for last 15 years. I get very minimal chances to wear Indian wear. The festive season is always one I look forward to use my Indian wardrobe.       So now, how to prepare or get your wardrobe ready for the festive season. A few tips and tricks from my personal experience: Always decide on the outfits few weeks before the festive season begins. Check if your outfits are well ironed. A well-ironed outfit plays significant roles in chic and groomed look. Did you try the blouses, if they are well fitted or need any alteration? An ill-fitted blouse can ruin the whole look. After deciding on the dress decide on accessories. Must have: Bangles are must have. A pair of bangles or stack of bangles instantl...

"Fashion Changes, But Style Endures" COCO CHANEL Introduction:      Avon Diamond Executive President, India, Meghali Das is from Assam, India. No need for any elaborate introduction, she is the Secretary of North East Fashion Council (FNDC), India and is known for her great aesthetics for handloom and handicraft. Her subtle yet elegant style is impactful and inspiring. Presenting her and her style... 1. What is your style?       Meghali Das: I do not follow fashion. My comfort is my style and I always go for what suits me than following a trend. 2. Your top three favorite looks?      Meghali Das:  Totally ethnic, be it mekhela chador or saree with matching Avon jewelry. I love my handbags and a very good collection.  Love to wear skirts with knee high boots in winter depends on where I am going, weather, climate, and occasion. Blue denim and white shirt. 3. Eye makeup or Lipstick or...

An Assam silk sari with zardozi work clutch       When you build a classic wardrobe, you need to pay more attention to quality than quantity. A piece that you invest in, you should be able to assemble on it, mix and match and repeat on successfully many times.       I will list the item right below... 1.       A silk Sari-Sari is the soul of any Indian wardrobe. There are plenty of saris and fashion trends also changes quite often. If you don’t want to worry about the fast-changing fashion trends, it is the perfect reason for one to go for traditional saris. In this case, it is the silk sari. There are options like Assam silk, Kanchipuram, Paithani, and Panchapally to Ikkat and many more. A Chikankari sari 2.      Since you own a silk sari, you can either go for a Chiffon printed sari or Chikankari sari, Kantha work sari, Kashmiri embroidered, or one with Gujrati mirrored work is great too. 3.     ...

Bihu delicacies from my Ma's kitchen. All served in bell metal dishes. I miss home Assam every single day, perhaps around this time of the year even more for not being there. Yes, it is  Bohag Bihu  time, the spring season of Assam's most vibrant and whimsical festival.  Bihu  is the biggest and most favorite festival of Assam. Another name of Bohag Bihu is  Rongali Bihu , Rongali means color, the color of food, culture, tradition, and love and assamese hospitality. I feel nostalgic; the nostalgia transports me directly to Assam, probably 20 years back Assam, where I spent my childhood and adulthood during the early 80s to early 2000.          Me and my daughter, dressed for Bihu last year Kapau  Phool(Foxtail orchid)       A few days before Bihu our whole neighborhood became fragranced whether it's Tilor ladu(Sesame balls) or Pitha(Rice cake). New leaves grow on the tree, Kapau Phool(Foxtail...

My mekhela chadar memoir is vivid and vibrant. I was probably five when my paternal grandmother died. But, I still remember her pristine everyday mekhela chadar look. A cotton silk crisp mekhela and a handwoven cotton chadar with a cream or ivory blouse. Her inner simplicity is reflected in her attire. On the other hand, my maternal grandmother, who carries a tea garden heritage, always wears a silk mekhela and a cotton silk chadar with a small border, typically in brown, green, or gray colors. Throughout the day, her pleats remain in the same place and position; her mekhela chadar reflects a strong woman who has stayed strong throughout her life. As I grew up, I discovered every woman's inner world with her mekhela chadar. My art teacher, who used to wear beautiful mekhela chadars with intricate embroidery, revealed her sensitive inner world to me. Back home in Assam, our domestic help, Hiramoni, wears her mekhela chadar or saree effortlessly and quickly throughout the day.  ...