A cup of Assam Tea

  Attending one of the Big 4 fashion weeks (New York, London, Milan, Paris) is on every fashion blogger's or fashion aficionado's bucket list. Checking in to the prestigious NYFW in Global Fashion Collective's Fall/Winter 2022 was an experience of a lifetime. This year, the Global Fashion Collective in NYFW F/W 2022 featured three designers: Luis Corrales, Sanjukta Dutta, and Young-Eun Lee.  Here, I am excited to cover my birth state and India's renowned designer, Sanjukta Dutta. Seen in celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Mary Kom, and Britain's Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, to the masses in Assam, who have brought Mekhela Chadar from the sublime land of Assam to the Global Frontiers.  Witnessing her immaculate and artful collection, Alphool, at NYFW F/W 2022 was my moment of pride and pleasure.  Engineer-turned-fashion designer  Sanjukta's  designs always speak volumes about creativity and indigenousness. Using a splash of vi...

 Lazy winter months in New England always transport me to Assam, to my home, sitting with my Dad , who always wore Eri sadar (Eri Shawl). Gone are the days; nevertheless, memories remain. That's how human life is interesting as you learn to live with the memories, celebrate, and sail into the future. While reminiscing about the good old days and my Dad and his Eri shawl, I decided to wear an Eri silk saree for a friend's small get-together. I In the time of COVID-19, small happiness like meeting a friend after a long time always gives so much joy. Here, for her get-together, I wore this black Eri silk saree with a red border and small motifs all over and teamed up with a traditional Assamese necklace called Biri. A drum-shaped pendant (Biri) with black and red stones makes it very interesting and traditional, yet quirky. And my hair is down naturally, and kohl-filled dark eyes and red lips. And last but not least, a red potli and a statement antique bangle rounded the look. ...

  Indian weddings encompass many beautiful ceremonies and traditions. In Assamese culture, Jurun is a pre-wedding ceremony. It usually occurs a day or two before the wedding day, sometimes even on the same day of the wedding. A tradition where the groom’s family, especially women, visit the bride's family to present the wedding trousseau (Mekhela chadar), jewelry, some makeup, and accessories. In my belief, a tradition that welcomes the bride to her new family with gifts, love, and blessings.  On the day of Jurun, Aam Dali godha (A stringed mango leaf) is a tradition and is tied over the door. It is believed that it will ward off all bad energy and bring good luck to the newlyweds. Usually, jurun happens in the morning or before noon. The goom does not accompany the group. Before going to the bride's home, the groom and his family get blessings from the people who gather for the jurun. Another tradition associated with Jurun is filling two small bell metal vases (called l...

Looking back at the beautiful bygone years, I transport myself to my Aita's (Grandmom) antique chest, where a neatly folded crisp and slightly golden-hued Muga silk chadar lies. I remember Aita telling me she weaved that chadar. Long back, Assamese women weaved their own clothes, especially mekhela chadars. Weaving muga silk is highly esteemed in assamese culture in the yesteryears.  In the Assamese language, Muga defines the golden hue. Exquisite and exclusive muga epitomizes opulent Assamese weaving culture. Muga is elusive and expensive, whereas Eri Silk is an everyday affair. Muga is reserved for special occasions. In Assamese culture, muga is widely used by Bihu dancers and is a must-buy for the bridal trousseau. With the changing times and rising prices, Muga is not a regular buy for an average person.   Muga is especially found in the form of mekhela chadar traditionally. Muga saree is commonly available in the market too. Indigenous Muga silk is pr...