Saina Chatterjee embraces the elegance of ivory this Pujo

Saina Chatterjee’s Pujo memories come with the sound of dhaak, her father dancing beside her and her mother capturing the moment on camera. Years later, the excitement remains, along with her love for festive fashion, good food and time with loved ones. This year, as CT celebrates the nine colours of the Devi, Saina adorns white – the colour of serenity and peace, inspired by Brahmacharini. She joined us for a festive shoot on the Hooghly, with the Howrah Bridge as her backdrop.Festive state of mindFor Saina, Durga Puja brings a “certain jolt of joy”. From spending time with her mother, dhaak-er aowaj to dressing up and, of course, her fave – gorom luchi. While the way she celebrates may have evolved with a busier schedule now, the excitement remains. Now, she finds herself “huge on dressing up”, with saris and lehengas planned down to the makeup, and a particular lehenga saved for Nabami. Food comes a close second, with luchi making it to the list every year. Whether pandal hopping or staying in, she says the fun lies in spending time with loved ones, making memories together and looking exactly how she wants.The grace of whiteWhite or ivory, associated with Brahmacharini, the second manifestation of Durga, symbolises serenity, peace and innocence. For the second look of our Pujor Rong series, Saina brings simplicity to the river Hooghly, dressed in a soft off-white handloom Banarasi silk sari with an all-over golden zari jaal-work. Set against the river and the Howrah Bridge, the drape takes on a luminous quality, balancing the purity of white with the festive richness of gold. The understated palette keeps the look classic, while the zari adds just the right festive touch.Makeup for your festive whitesSoft, kohl-rimmed eyes add definition while retaining the understated quality of the lookA light, natural and dewy base complements Saina’s features and keeps the finish freshA peachy-nude lip with a subtle glossy finish brings warmth against the ivoryExtensions add volume, while loose curls keep the finish naturalFresh, effortless makeup complements the sari without competing with it– inputs by Prithaj DasStyling tipsMake white festive: Pair the sari with a textured, sheeny or bordered blousePlay with metallics: Silver, antique gold or muted metallic jewellery can add depthLet the silhouette shine: A sculpted drape or a styled pallu can give the sari a more contemporary edgeLayer thoughtfully: A statement choker, layered bangles or statement rings elevate the look, while a cohesive palette keeps it refinedKeep the contrast soft: Instead of introducing too many colours,ivory with nude, bronze, champagne or muted peach accents for an elegant festive finish– inputs by Anupam ChatterjeeThe way we celebrated Pujo at home was shaped by my father (the late Abhishek Chatterjee), and I still hold all those traditions close to my heartGet the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!