Hindustan Times (Lucknow) - Hindustan Times (Lucknow) - Live
Pandal hoppers keep the fashion quotient high
The pandals in Lucknow are all abuzz with festive vibes. Decked up in their best ethnic attires, the pandal hoppers in the city are trying their best to match the occasion and add some colours to the ongoing festivities amid the pandemic.
We spoke to a few enthusiastic Lucknowites visiting pandals and celebrating the festival. Tulika Banerjee, actor and government employee at UPPCL is thankful that the situation is not as bad as last year.“There is no doubt that the celebration has been affected by the pandemic, but this year it’s little better. We missed the bhog, mahalaya and of course the cluster-chats last year. Durga puja is all about decking up in heavy embroidered sarees and showing up with that perfect bling. But as we still can’t do away with masks, so that surely is bit of a spoiler for us. Nevertheless, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to dress up for the festival donning bright straight chikan suits, traditional Bengali as well as Banarasi sarees,” says Banerjee. This year Durga puja is being held with certain restrictions but the best part for many is that at least it is happening, and people are getting a chance to participate and visit the pandals amidst the air filled with the fragrance of dhuno and dhak playing. Another diva from the city Trisha Sinha, a private sector professional, says: “This is the best part of the year with so much enthusiasm and an occasion to dress up. I feel spirits are high like always, and this year, again, I decided to show up in my best traditional attires, silk or cotton sarees in pastel colours with minimal jewellery as this look is my favourite.” For the couple Tanmoy, a finance professional and academician Sunetra, the festivity is all about being together and twinning their attire colour, as and when. “All through the year, we men hardly get a chance to show off our ethic wear except for festivals. So we do our best to keep up to the mark. For me its summer sherwani, silk designer kurta set paired with Jaipuri jutis,” adds Tanmoy. Another academic professional Souvik Mukherjee says the festival surely is most awaited one for everyone. “We feel elated and rejoiced as we welcome Maa Durga. But during the current pandemic scenario, we have to stick to all the Covid norms. But, this has not dampened our spirit, or taken away the reason to sport our festive best look this season.”