Indian bazaar takes over the stadium
A HUGE white marquee in the middle of Sahara Stadium Kingsmead has been transformed into an Indian shopping bazaar with clothing, shoes and accessories lined up on table after table. One is instantly spoilt for choice.
A few seconds after arriving, the POST team spotted Sureev Seebran, who was trying on a bridal suit with the assistance of stallholder Lalit Kalrea.
“Previously, men would wear suits or sherwanis with basic embroidery or designs, but today, similar to their brides, grooms prefer outfits with beads and stone work that also makes them stand out,” Kalrea said. He added that men are becoming adventurous, opting to wear shiny pointed shoes known as jutti.
Even the turbans, he said, are more extravagant
But try as they may, shiny shoes and bejewelled jackets cannot outshine the bride, fellow stallholder, Rakesh Sachdeva, said.
“Brides want to glitter on their wedding day. Stone work on saris and lengas remains a firm favourite. This has been going on for years,” he said.
When it comes to shoes, stallholder Kapil Chabra has a variety.
“All my shoes are handmade in India. We have high-heel and wedged wedding sandals decorated with different coloured stones. We also have flat sandals and pumps for women and children.”
He said these shoes remained popular because they were elegant and comfortable.
No outfit is complete without jewellery and accessories.
Stallholder Nadia Akhtar said hair and head jewellery were perennial favourites.
“Whether it’s an up-style, a bun or you prefer your hair hanging down your shoulders, hair jewellery compliments your look,” she said.
Akthar said the colourful pieces were made from plastic and could match a variety of outfits.
“Bangles are a must. We have a range of handmade bangles made out of metal and stone, and no matter how many times it rubs against your clothing, it will not ladder or tear it,” she said.
Stallholder Nafiza Mohammed has a collection of glittering handbags.
“We have clutch bags, pouch bags shaped like a coconut and mini handbags decorated with sequins and stones,” she said.
Apart from the clothing and accessories, murthis (statues) and other prayer items can be purchased.