Diwali style

Halloween is fun but even more so is the various festivals we have here in Malaysia. Instead of dressing up in costumes, we get to wear traditional outfits which can be worn any other day and is rich with history. I love it. Each traditional outfit has its own story to tell. 

Deepavali is around the corner and the chickadee's playschool requested that the kids come wearing a traditional outfit. 

I found that for children, they normally wear the "Pattu Pavadai/Reshme Langa"

OMG so cute. Where do I even  buy these??
  

For the Chickadee, I got her a set of made-in-India "Salwar Kameez" or more commonly known as the "Pujabi Suit". 

This set has a "Salwar" (loose trousers), a "Kameez" (the tunic top) and a "dupatta" (scarf) which is meant for covering the head.

I decided to go for a bigger size. 

In this picture, she is wearing the "Kameez" as a dress. My plan was to let her wear it as a 2 piece (with the scarf) once she is bigger. But judging by how the top is a perfect fit on her right now, am not too sure how this genius plan of mine will work. 

I had to pair the top with a singlet inside as the collar was a bit uncomfortable for her.

Look at how gorgeous this is. It even comes with lining inside. 

If you do decide to buy a Diwali style outfit for your little girl, you may want to consider the following pointers:

1) Avoid the ones with heavy accessories or "ornaments" attached to them. They are rough and can be heavy.

2) Make sure you feel the inside. With the number of stitches/embroidery, it may not be comfortable. (I don't know how I missed the collar!)

3) Avoid saris. It cuts straight down. This restricts movement. Kids and their freedom to move is very important. 

4) Avoid two pieces with potential bare midriffs. Even if it's "close together", the long skirt will slide down when on a kid. I saw a kid who wore one but ended up wearing shorts after; but with a short top. Not the best look for a kid.

5) Try choose colors and patterns that represents Diwali best. There are lots of patterns and designs out there these days.

6) Feel the material. Some are quite rough. A kid might not like it. 

I spent almost an hour looking through various punjabi suits for the little chickadee. I even desperately eavesdropped on an Indian mother commenting on outfits, hoping to learn a thing or two. It is harder than you think. But it has been a fun hunt and culturally enlightening.