Skip the salwar suit this Diwali: woven sarees for a festive look, and where to buy them in Pune

Dressing up for the festivals does not have to mean picking yet another embroidered salwar suit. A saree can look just as striking. With the right fabric or weave, it can also be comfortable enough for a family lunch, a puja or an evening celebration. The idea is to look beyond heavy wedding sarees and try lighter versions of traditional weaves.

For a rich, traditional look, Kanjivaram and Paithani are worth considering. Kanjivaram sarees come from the Kancheepuram area of Tamil Nadu and are known for their silk, contrasting borders and zari work. They have long been seen as sarees for ceremonial occasions, which makes them a strong choice for a festival. If a traditional Kanjivaram feels too heavy, look for a plain design with a smaller border, fewer zari motifs or a light silk body.

Paithani, the well-known silk weave of Paithan, is Maharashtra's own and offers a distinctly regional choice. Motifs of peacocks, parrots and lotuses, often woven into the pallu, make it recognisable from a distance. In place of a heavy bridal Paithani, one can choose a saree with a plain body and a less ornate pallu.

Bandhani is a good option for colour and comfort. It is a tie-dye tradition associated especially with Gujarat and Rajasthan, in which small portions of the cloth are tied before dyeing, creating distinctive patterns. Cotton Bandhani sarees are particularly useful for daytime events, while silk Bandhani can work for evening occasions. Their colours and patterns make them stand out even without heavy embellishment.

For a saree that is easy to drape, consider Chanderi, Kota Doria and cotton-silk. Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh is known for its light, often slightly sheer fabric and delicate motifs. Kota Doria from Rajasthan is recognised by its fine check-like weave, which makes it airy and easy to wear. Cotton-silk is another option for those who want some sheen without the weight of heavy silk.

In Pune, shoppers can start at Laxmi Road and Kumthekar Road, where many traditional saree shops are found in one place. These areas are useful for comparing weaves from different regions and festive styles in a single outing. J M Road is another option for a curated selection of handloom and silk sarees.

Before buying, ask the shopkeeper whether the saree is handloom or powerloom, check the texture of the fabric and try draping the saree. A light border, a pallu that is easy to manage and a comfortable blouse can make a big difference. The aim is not to swap one festive uniform for another, but to find a saree that feels like your own.