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Happy Holi : Festival of Colours

Happy Holi : Festival of Colours


Happy Holi -Festival of Colours

Holi, often called the Festival of Colours, is one of India’s most joyful and symbolic festivals. It is celebrated for several cultural and mythological reasons.

Holi is a Spring festival that is celebrated with coloured powder. More importantly, it signals the end of long & harsh winter months. It is celebrated across India, predominantly in North India. Friends & family apply coloured powder on one another. In other words, coloured powder &/or coloured water is sprayed on the hair and the clothes of each other. Hence, in general, everyone wears white clothes so that the Holi colour shows on the dress. It is fun & boisterous. It is a custom & a tradition that is played with gay abandon.Holi parties with singing & dancing add to the fun.

Come & enjoy Holi in India.

Happy Holi

The fun of getting drenched in coloured waters is the best part of Holi. However, to be caught unawares with a water balloon breaking on your back is definitely not a happy one. People ,especially children generally throw water balloons behind your back. For instance, for the first timers, you obviously look around to vent out your frustration and anger at the offender until you remind yourself that the festival of colors “Holi” is here. Or as the popular saying goes “Bura na mano Holi Hai” (Don’t take it to heart. It is Holi.).

In other words, applying or spraying colour powder/water to one another is the essence of the spring festival and this is what makes Holi a fun festival for the young & old. Further, children, adults and even elderly people play with colored powder, water balloons and water guns, popularly called pichkaris. It is a jolly good time for children who enjoy spraying water on everyone.In addition, everyone is in a joyous mood and they dance to the Dhol(drums). People in the villages come out on the streets and participate in the fun. Apart form the colours, they sing & dance & have traditional sweets. It is celebration time.

There is a communal spirit in all the fun .

Why is Holi celebrated?

Every year, the celebrations start off on the evening of Purnima (the full moon) that comes in month of ‘Phalguna’. As a matter of fact, the first day is known as Holika Dahan, or Choti Holi. For instance, a large bonfire is lit to ward off evil spirits. The practice is to pray for the prosperity of everyone.

Best Places to Play Holi in India- Lathmar Holi

However, Holi is best celebrated in the streets of India’s villages and towns. People come out on drives and enjoy playing with colours with gay abandon. Further, Barsana and Nandgaon villages in Uttar Pradesh celebrate Lathmar Holi where women are seen beating up men with laths or sticks in a playful manner. In another way of celebrations, people in West Bengal celebrate spring-inspired Holi in the form of Dol Jatra In other words, this is in honour of Radha & Krishna.

Special Sweets & Drinks for Holi – Delicious Gujiyas

Finally, can you already smell the festivity (read gujiyas) in the air? In other words, this half-moon shaped, syrupy delicacy with the filling of khoya, raisins and other dried fruits is specially made during Holi. It melts in your mouth so effortlessly. As a matter of fact, gujiyas are prepared at home. It is a tradition.

In addition, customary drinks like thandai(milk based drink) and baang(spiced drink traditionally made from Cannabis leaves ) are also popular in Holi along with other delicacies such as dahi balle. They are lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt with chutneys made of corainder & a sweet chutney made of brown sugar & tamrind.

Why is HOLI Celebrated

1. Holika Dahan (The Bonfire Night)

Held the evening before the colour festival.

  • People gather around a bonfire.
  • They perform rituals symbolising the burning of negativity.
  • In many places, people walk around the fire or offer grains and coconuts.

It’s a deeply symbolic, community-driven moment.

The Story of Holika Dahan

Holi

Legend has it that once a powerful but wicked kingHiranyakashipu saw himself above the Lord. He, along with his sister Holika, conspired to kill his son Prahlad who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. However, Lord Vishnu chose to manifest himself as Narasimha (half lion, half man) to kill the King (otherwise immortal) and his sister.

2. Rangwali Holi (The Festival of Colours)

This is the part everyone knows:

  • People smear gulal (dry colours) on each other.
  • Water balloons, pichkaris, and buckets come out.
  • Music, dancing, and street celebrations fill the day. Dhol (drums are integral to Holi celebrations )
  • Traditional drinks like thandai (sometimes with bhang) are enjoyed.
  • Sweets like gujiya, malpua, and dahi vada are everywhere.

It’s chaotic, joyful, and incredibly social.

The Story of Radha and Krishna

Holi Celebration

Radha & Lord Krishna playing Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan is a celebration of the divine love. The beautiful image of Krishna playing holi with Radha and other gopis(friends) is a scene that has been depicted in several miniature paintings. The second day of Holi is popularly called Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi.

There are several Hindi film songs in Bolllywood cinema that captures the spirit of the Holi festival. Rang Barse Bheege Chunarwali (meaning -The scarf girl is drenched in water colours) is one such iconic song from the Hindi movie “Silsila”. Amitabh Bachan, the Bollywood superstar captivated the spirit of Holi in that song.

Holi

Bollywood Scene- Ranbir & Deepika

Holi Shopping

If you haven’t decided yet where to shop for all the festival paraphernalia, we have got you covered.

Cartoon Character-inspired Pichkaaris

For example, water guns (pichkaaris), water balloons, gulaal, natural and organic colors are all the props required for a Holi party.

You may like to pick one of those pumps with colorful water tanks for your little ones. Water sprays such as Iron Man, Spiderman, Hulk, Ben 10, Mickey Mouse, Barbie, and Disney Frozen, are popular with children.

Best Markets for Holi Shopping

Sadar Bazaar,Chandni Chowk,Dilli Haat,Lajpat NagarandSarojini Nagarare some of the prominent markets for Holi shopping in Delhi.

All the markets have hot jalebis, dahi balla, samosas, gujiyas & lassi on offer. special sweet made during Holi.

Herbal Colors

There is a lot of talk about celebrating this festival with chemical-free herbal colors. Let us be conscious about the environment

Gulaal is usually prepared with chemicals like lead oxide, copper sulphate, aluminium bromide and mercury sulphite. They help in producing various types of colour shades such as black, gold, silver and magenta. As we are aware, they create a lot of problems for the skin.

Natural Colours

Herbal Colors

Further, herbal colours can replace chemical colours

Make Holi colours at home. For instance, if you search in the internet, you can find several ways to use, turmeric, beetroot, cornflour & spinach etc to make the colours.

Safety Tips for Holi

Make sure children are safe & do not skid & fall in the water.

Taking care of Hair & Skin

Skin Care

Apply a moisturiser with an SPF of 20 & above.

Apply Coconut oil to protect your hair from coloured water & coloured powders.

Trendy Dresses & Outfits

Holi Outfits

Bored of the same old salwar suits and long skirts this Holi?
It’s time to refresh your festive wardrobe with trendy, comfortable styles that let you celebrate in style!

Discover modern silhouettes, chic co-ords, playful fusion wear, and effortless festive looks— perfect for enjoying every splash of color while staying stylish and comfortable.

This Holi, step out of the ordinary and embrace fashion that’s as vibrant as the festival .

Holi2026

Holi print Kaftan style Kurta for Girls, Women

Holi2026

Ivory Embroidered Chanderi Kurta with Pants

Mirrorwork Off White Pure Cotton Halterneck Blouse with White Skirt

White Gathered Lace Dress

3/4th Sleeves Co Ord Set For Women

Classic Sarees

Shopkhoj Wishes its readers a HAPPY HOLI

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Fashion

All the Indian stars at Cannes 2026—from Alia Bhatt to Diana Penty

All the Indian stars at Cannes 2026—from Alia Bhatt to Diana Penty


Indian representation at Cannes 2026 reached a significant high across both cinema and culture. Payal Kapadia served as the president of the jury for the 65th edition of Critics’ Week, marking a major moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. Emerging filmmaker Mehar Malhotra’s Shadows of the Moonless Nights becomes the only Indian film selected for the La Cinef school films competition; meanwhile, Amma Ariyan (1986) from Kerala was set to premiere at the festival.

Ahead, we detail some of the best sartorial appearances at Cannes 2026 so far.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt delivered some of the festival’s biggest fashion moments at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Her arrival look featured a custom ensemble by That Antiquepiece, hand-painted by Basuri Chokshi. She paired the look with heart-shaped yellow diamond studs from Chopard, mules by Manolo Blahnik, and a bag by Meera Mahadevia, finishing the ensemble with soft glam makeup and a side-parted French-twist bun.

For the opening ceremony, Bhatt chose a custom coral-pink couture gown by Tamara Ralph in silk crêpe, detailed with sheer silk voile chiffon drapes around the arms. The look was accessorised with a statement necklace by Amrapali Jewels featuring 168.27 carats of rare pink coral centred around a 5.53-carat Golconda diamond, paired with square-cut Chopard earrings and an Asscher-cut diamond ring.

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Fashion

6 classics that belong in every capsule wardrobe

6 classics that belong in every capsule wardrobe

Curating the perfect capsule wardrobe looks a little different for everyone, but there are a handful of staples that will benefit nearly every closet. Having a reliable collection of basics makes getting dressed easier, whether you’re a staunch minimalist who sticks to simplicity or an experimental dresser building looks upon a foundation. True luxury can be found among the classics, whether it’s a perfect white T-shirt, a well-fitting button-up or a pair of jeans.

Versatility and a neutral colour palette will be essential to unlocking your own sense of style, and the following six key clothing items are the essential building blocks for any capsule wardrobe.

The capsule wardrobe essentials

White shirt

A crisp white button-down shirt is the ultimate wardrobe essential, equally at home under a blazer for meetings or on the weekend with leggings, white sneakers and oversized outerwear. Look for cotton poplin or linen styles that breathe and hold their shape.

Image may contain Clothing Coat Shirt Lab Coat Blouse Long Sleeve and Sleeve

Image may contain Blouse Clothing Sleeve Person and Teen

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Female mountaineers like Lhakpa Sherpa deserve flowers. But more importantly, they deserve funding

Female mountaineers like Lhakpa Sherpa deserve flowers. But more importantly, they deserve funding

As a child, I once heard someone on the radio talking about how, when they died, they wanted their ashes scattered over the Himalayas. I remember thinking, What must it be like up there, that a person wants to go even in death? I wanted to see it while I was still alive,” shares Jyoti Ratre, who was 55 when she broke the record of being the oldest Indian woman to summit Mount Everest in 2024.

Born in Bhopal, Ratre first saw the snow-capped peaks of Himachal Pradesh’s Dhauladhar range in 2017—an encounter she describes as “love at first sight”. Soon after, with minimal training, she completed the Pin Parvati Pass trek, also in Himachal Pradesh. “It was 5,300 metres. I thought if I worked on my fitness, then I could do Everest.”

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Ratre’s first attempt was in 2023. A week before she set out, a stomach ache took her to the doctor, where she discovered a severe urinary tract condition that required immediate surgery. “You usually need full anaesthesia for it, but I opted for a localised shot so I could make a quick recovery,” she says. “In my heart, the desire for Everest was so strong that everything else felt small. In India, women think life ends at 50. I wanted to prove to them that that’s when it starts.” The next morning, she was in Kathmandu. Three days later, the climb began.

During the summit push, Ratre’s team was hit by an unexpected storm and forced to turn back to Camp 4, the final base where climbers rest before attempting to reach the summit. When they arrived, one of her companions was missing—he’d lost his way in the storm. “He was unconscious when the Sherpa found him late at night,” she recalls. “I had a choice then. I could either wait and attempt the summit the next day or save my companion’s life. I thought, if I raise the flag tomorrow and he dies, I won’t be able to forgive myself.” Ratre had been just 600 metres from the goal she had spent six years chasing but she knew no peak was worth a human life. She made the call to let her guide descend with her companion, staying back at Camp 4 for two days until he returned for her. “My dream did not come true, but I was happy with my decision,” she says. In May 2024, she finally stood atop the tallest mountain in the world. “I used to cry when I reached a summit. But with Everest, I think I blacked out. I didn’t feel anything. I didn’t feel happy or sad. I just can’t express it in words.”

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Fashion

Why its absolutely appropriate for children to attend a funeral

Why its absolutely appropriate for children to attend a funeral

My son went to his first funeral before he’d even been born.

It can be quite an interesting feeling, to stand by a coffin while an unborn life punches you in the bladder from the inside. To find something suitable and formal and sombre to wear over a stomach the size of a fairly decent microwave. To say goodbye to someone dear to you, while a stranger pulses away beneath your skin.

But I believe that having children at a funeral is a great benefit—no matter their age. I recently had the honour of joining one of my oldest friends to mourn the death of her father. In the small chapel, where we listened to stories of his life and love, almost the whole of the front two rows were taken up by children. From breastfeeding babies to teenagers; they sat and listened and tucked their hair behind their ears and cried and looked at the windows and ate breadsticks and simply were.

When I was young, I think there was an assumption that children at a funeral weren’t appropriate guests. This was born of a somewhat old-fashioned cocktail of beliefs: that children are too noisy, that young people are too innocent or that kids would be frightened by too much talk of death. In my experience, children are in many ways far more comfortable and competent at considering death than their adult counterparts.

When the whole world is new, and everything must be learned, death is just another part of the great, magical, strange, complicated jigsaw that we must find the right piece for. Just as you learn that fire is hot, that beetroot juice is purple, that seasons lengthen and shorten days, so you discover that hearts one day stop; that brains drain of blood; that bodies turn cold. I remember taking my son to a museum where there was a small display of bones and explaining to him that after death, much of what we consider to be “us” simply rots away, melts back into the earth, feeds beetles and roots and trees. What starts as a heartbeat ends, eventually, in bones. For weeks after, he thought deeply about this. I could tell because he would occasionally turn to me, half way through a baked potato or a bath, and ask me something like “what makes your lungs work?” or, “when you die, what happens to your eyes?” As someone who was present at the death of both of my grandparents, and who has touched the dead skin of other people I have known and loved, I felt fairly well-equipped to answer these questions honestly, calmly and in the moment.

When my Maori uncle died, his body was laid out, as is tradition, for a number of days in the marae. During that time, people visited, ate food, talked; while his grandchildren did their homework, played and read. Sitting just a few feet from his body, life in mourning took place and those children, well, were children. I thought of them, as I sat in that English graveyard a few weeks ago, and watched the babies and grandchildren created, in part, by the man we’d lost. They behaved impeccably. By which, I mean they behaved as themselves. The baby babbled and fed, the smaller children played with the hems of their clothes, the older boys looked to their parents or down at their hands. I was so glad they were there; not only because they deserved their right to grieve and say goodbye alongside everybody else, but also because they were a reminder that while lives are finite, life is not.

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Fashion

Blouse Artistry- Silk Saree Blouse Designs

Blouse Artistry- Silk Saree Blouse Designs

Isha Ambani’s Met Gala Blouse

Isha Ambani brought Indian craftsmanship to the Met Gala 2026. Met Gala theme was “Fashion is Art”. She adorned a stunning custom saree by designer Gaurav Gupta. The drape featured hand-painted Pichwai-style motifs in soft gold and earthy tones.

At the heart of the look was a jewellery-integrated blouse, adorned with over 1,000 diamonds and precious stones (over 1,800 carats), This included heirloom diamonds, rare emeralds, and traditional polki and kundan from Nita Ambani’s personal collection. A rare Sarpech (turban ornament) from the Nizam of Hyderabad’s collection was stitched into the back of the blouse.

Silk saree blouse designs in 2026 are all about blending tradition with modern flair — from timeless boat necks and zari borders to bold backless styles, puff sleeves, and mirror work. The right blouse can completely transform a silk saree, whether it’s a Kanjivaram, Banarasi, or soft silk drape.

Key Trends in Silk Saree Blouse Designs

  • Classic Necklines
    • Boat neck, sweetheart, square, and mandarin collar styles remain evergreen.
    • These are versatile and suit both festive and formal occasions.
  • Back Designs
    • Deep U or V backs with tassels, keyhole backs, and criss-cross straps are trending.
    • Backless blouses with tie-up strings add a bold statement.
  • Sleeve Styles
    • Puff sleeves with embroidery, ruffled sleeves, and cape-style sleeves are popular among younger women.
    • Elbow-length sleeves with zari borders are perfect for traditional looks.
  • Embellished Blouses
    • Heavy embroidery, mirror work, and stone embellishments elevate bridal and festive sarees.
    • Balance is key: pair a heavily embroidered saree with a simpler blouse, or vice versa.
  • Contemporary Cuts
    • Off-shoulder, cold-shoulder, and halter neck blouses bring a modern twist.
    • Peplum backs and structured silhouettes are gaining popularity for weddings.

Styling Tips

  • Fabric Match: Pair silk sarees with blouses in the same silk for a cohesive look, or contrast with velvet/brocade for drama.
  • Color Play: Match blouse color with saree borders for tradition, or go bold with contrasting hues.
  • Occasion Fit: Bridal blouses demand maximum embellishment, while office wear or small gatherings call for simpler cuts.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Comfort vs. Style: While deep backs and off-shoulders look glamorous, ensure they’re comfortable for long wear.
  • Maintenance: Embellished blouses with stones or mirrors require careful storage and dry cleaning.
  • Body Type Fit: V-necks and sweetheart necklines flatter most body types, while high necks suit taller frames.

From bizarre to bohemian, the silk saree design styles are a plenty. Spaghetti straps and ruffle sleeves, trapeze necks and slit backs, the saree blouse is getting very attractive. Shopkhoj brings you the latest saree blouse design. We also tell you where to buy saree blouses online. The blouse is a critical element and completes the final look for the saree. It complements the grace & beauty of the saree. Today, the fabrics for the saree blouse ranges from velvet, net, silk, satin, georgette, chiffon & many more. The prints, the embroidery, and a variety of embellished work on the blouses add a touch of class.

The simple Saree Blouse Design

Bollywood heroines like Sharmila Tagore & Hema Malini looked demure & divine in a saree. Saree blouses were simple and just a functional garment.The concept of ready-made blouses did not exist at all. One just had to share the fabric & measurements with a neighbourhood tailor and have them stitch the blouses for you. In fact, one had to buy the blouse material separately to get them tailored. It is only in the 90s that the saree was woven with blouse material attached to it.

Soon, Bollywood started to experiment with saree blouse designs in films. Above all, the connection of high-profile designers with Bollywood brought in fresh thinking to the mundane saree blouse. The boring blouse became stylish & chic. Madhuri Dixit introduced new styles in the 90s.

Silk Saree Blouses

Celebrity Saree Blouse Designs

It was during this time that young girls started to ape the fashion trends of heroines. They were keen to apply make-up and be fashionable. And what better than copy Bollywood styles. Magazines such as Eves Weekly, Femina, Stardust and Film Fare were all readily available to young girls to copy celebrity styles.

Internet- Saree Blouse online

With the advent of the internet, magazines were no longer the medium through which to copy styles. The internet made it easy to follow celebrity styles. Then came the mobile phone revolution. In addition to following fashion, one could easily click photographs of styles and designs. One could search and download all the images in one go. What’s more, one could share designs effortlessly. Social media added more ease and agility to the whole concept.

Ready Made Saree Blouse Design

The latest phenomenon is of course online shopping. The concept of tailoring a saree blouse has become alien. Ready Made saree blouses are available now. In addition, the pandemic has forced a majority of the shops to be present online. And so, you have blouses in Amazon, Flipkart, Jaypore, Ritu Kumar, Kalki Fashions and a host of other brands selling blouses online.

Pattu Saree Design Blouses

Bespoke Saree Blouses

However, the customized tailoring of chosen designs is of course always a possibility. You can choose designs and get them tailored at

Roshan Tailors

Shalini Kakkar Designs – +917042069697

Saree Blouse Design 2026

Let us check BLOUSE DESIGN 2026 styles here:

1. Scalloped Designer Blouses- Pattu Saree Blouse Design

Pattu Saree Blouse Design

Scollped-Edge-Blouse

2. Halter Neck Blouses

These blouse designs havezardozi work, sequins & bead work tailored into it.

Pattu Saree Blouse Design

Halter Neck

3. Deep V Neck Blouses- Silk Saree Blouse Designs

The embroidered blouse with coloured threads has a charm of its own.

Silk Saree Blouse Designs

Deep V Neck Blouses

4. High Neck Blouses- Pattu Saree Blouse Design

High Neck Blouses

5. Off Shoulder Blouses- Some blouses have mirror work on them.

Pattu Saree Blouse Design

Off Shoulder Blouses

6. Strappy Blouses

Pattu Saree Blouse Designs

Strappy Blouses

7. Velvet Blouse with Zardosi Work

Blouses

Velvet

8. Floral Design Blouses- Silk Saree Blouse Designs

These are simple patterned & printed blouses.

Designer Blouses

Floral Design Blouses

9. Silk Saree Blouse Neck Design-Bell Sleeves Blouses

Designer Blouses

Bell Sleeves Blouses

10. Full Sleeves Blouses- Pattu Saree Blouse Design

Shiny shimmery sparkle adds sensuality and is very captivating when worn at night times.

Blouses

Full Sleeves blouses

11. Puff Sleeves Blouses- Silk Saree Blouse Designs

Silk Saree Blouses

Puff Sleeves Blouse

12. Peplum Blouses

Silk Saree Blouse Neck Design

When it comes to designs for the back. The garba dancers from Gujarat have strings on the back to hold the two ends of the blouse at the back. This saree blouse design is desired by young girls. If one is bold enough one can choose this design. The options are many from a low strap back to a transparent back or a slit back. However, during winters a high back with a collar could keep you warm.

Blouses

Back Design of designer Blouses

The style is all your to choose and look elegant, bold, demure and spunky…..

All this is available online.

What is stopping you now ? Check out the styles and designs available online and just select. The Shop will ship it to you.

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