Girls are shedding the traditional attire and opting for a more comfortable Indo-western wear during Navratri.

This season, girls go for garba with jeans and T’s

Girls are shedding the traditional attire and opting for a more comfortable Indo-western wear during Navratri. The swathes of chaniya choli require more space while playing garba. Considering that the Garba venues are getting crowded and cramped, girls feel uncomfortable in the traditional wear. “We wear chaniya choli for only two or three days during the nine-day festival,” said Dhruvi Gandhi, 18, a class 12 student who has been playing Dandiya for over four years. The reason, girls say, is the increasing discomfort due to lack of space to move around at garba venues. “The problem with chaniya choli is you either end up tripping or cannot play Dandiya in a carefree way,” said Urvi Gandhi, 23, a resident of Kandivli. Harem pants coupled with tops are a favourite among most youngsters as it gives a tradition look and is comfortable for hours of non-stop garba. “Harem pants with a top are comfortable if the music is racy,” said Tanvi Vasa, 22, a Malad resident. The top is either a choli worn over a dark coloured T-shirt or a dressy top. “To ensure that it looks traditional, we wear a top with embroidery work on it. Some even get the T-shirts stitched over a chaniya,” added Vasa. Girls prefer a fusion of western and traditional as it is easy to wear. “It is easier to change into this. Also, if you wear chaniya choli, one needs a heavy make-up,” said Vasa.