Karva Chauth outfits in Ottawa

Karva Chauth falls in late October this year, a week or two before Diwali. Most women in Ottawa are working through the day of the fast and then getting ready in a rush in the evening, which makes the practical side of the outfit matter more than it does for most festive occasions.

Colour

Red is the traditional colour and remains the overwhelming choice — deep reds, maroon, and red with gold work. Many women wear their wedding outfit, or the heaviest red suit they own, and there is a lot to be said for that.

Beyond red, maroon, rani pink, deep orange and gold all sit comfortably within the tradition. What is generally avoided is black and white. If you are buying something new, a red or maroon suit bought for Karva Chauth tends to earn its keep — it comes back out for Diwali, for weddings, and for family functions all year.

Comfort, because it is a long day

This is the part worth thinking about. You are likely in the outfit from late afternoon until after moonrise, standing for the puja, and quite possibly hungry for most of it. Two things follow.

Watch the weight. A very heavily worked suit with dense embroidery at the hem and cuffs is a long evening on an empty stomach. Dola silk or a lighter worked georgette gives you the richness without the load.

Watch the waistband. Something fitted precisely at the waist is uncomfortable after a day of fasting and then noticeably tight once you eat. A churidar or salwar with a drawstring is the sensible answer, and a straight-cut kameez is more forgiving than a very fitted one.

Ottawa in late October is also genuinely cold. If the moon sighting is happening outside or on a balcony, a heavier dupatta or a shawl you can throw on is worth planning for rather than improvising.

The rest of the shringar

The outfit is only part of it. A parandi braided into the hair is the traditional finish and the piece most often forgotten until the last minute — silk thread with beads and gold work, and it photographs beautifully. Red and gold bangles, or your chura if you are a recent bride. Juttis rather than heels, given how long you will be on your feet.

Mehendi usually goes on the night before or the morning of, which is another reason to have the outfit sorted well in advance rather than shopping with hennaed hands.

When to shop

Early October. Karva Chauth and Diwali land close together, so the festive stock moves quickly across both, and the fortnight before is the busiest stretch of the year. Coming in once and sorting both occasions together is the easier way to do it.