Sari Shopping!

Our time in this wonderful country is quickly coming to a close as we start planning on moving towards South East Asia. Originally, we had only intended to be in India for a month, but we were so amazed and overwhelmed by the diversity of the country that we just wanted to keep seeing and learning more. Not only that, but we have met some of the most incredible people on our travels here. Our CS hosts Anju and Ravi have been beyond hospitable – there is no way we can every thank them….and we have all been touched by the kindness, helpfulness and generous spirit of the Indian people. They have been welcoming and caring since our first day.

We wanted to bring home some reminders of our great time in India, so off we went shopping to get some souvenirs …and what better way to remember a place than buying an outfit – like a sari??:)

The process was very interesting. The shopkeeper invites you into the store and you sit in front of a raised platform – almost like a stage. Behind the “stage” are shelves of beautiful saris – with a variety of colours and embellishments.

The first thing they asked us is if we knew what we wanted. Of course the answer was no…we didn’t have a clue what to look for in a sari.  Then they asked our price range…..I never reveal that kind of info until I know more about it. So I just shrugged my shoulders and said we would ask for prices when we found something we liked.

Fanning the saris.

Displaying the beautiful materials!

The salespeople draped and fanned out the different materials so that we could see the embellishments and colours. They were all so gorgeous – it was very hard to choose!  We then started to organize the saris into 2 piles – the ones we liked, and the ones to eliminate. It totally reminded me of our carpet buying in Turkey and our bedspread purchases in Jaipur.

How can I choose?

So many gorgeous colours!

After a process of elimination, I tried on two: a blue/blue combo and a red/black and gold combo. The salesman had to dress me and teach me how to hold it properly (I hope there’s a YouTube video on how to do it – because I’ve already forgotten!).

I finally decided on the red/black/gold combo. No negotiation because all prices were fixed at this place. I’m not sure if I got a great deal…but hey – it was fun!

What we found particularly amusing is that all the sari salespeople were mainly men and they were primping with the saris to show how beautiful they were …it was funny:)

For the girls, we looked everywhere and tried a number of saris on. They looked gorgeous, but they were not really suitable for them…their bodies just arent’ big enough yet for the large amount of materials.

Gorgeous colours and materials!

Love the blue!

Finally, one of the shop keepers had someone escort us to a department store where they had children’s sizes. Once there, we were quickly able to find 2 outfits that were perfect for the girls. Mission accomplished much to Oliver’s dismay and lighter wallet:)

Mission accomplished!

Mr. Puliani Sr and the girls!

One lucky thing that was free was the Mendi, or the henna application, that a lady in a store did for us. Within a couple of minutes she had applied beautiful and intricate designs to our hands. She made it look so easy!!!

Mendi for Zoe

Beautiful and so fast!

Mendi for Mik

Another unique design!

Hands up for Mendii!

We all can look like Indian princesses when we return home and wear these outfits on holidays like Diwali. It’s a beautiful souvenir of the time we have spent in this memorable country!