Garba to fusion fashion: Navratri festival fever grips youngsters in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Navratri festival fever has gripped youngsters in Hyderabad.

From Garba and Dandiya to experimenting with fusion fashion, this year’s festival is set to bring together cultural heritage with modern trends.

Let’s explore the latest Navratri trends the youth are embracing.

10 Days of Preparation: The Dandiya Craze

For many youngsters, the excitement of Navratri begins well before the actual festival. Dance practice sessions for Dandiya and Garba have been going on for the last 10 days. Groups gather in community halls, parks, and even at-home terraces to perfect their steps, ensuring they are in sync with the beats when the festivities begin.

"This year, everyone’s focusing on group coordination and synchronized movements. We’ve been practicing for hours every day. It’s not just about the dance but also about bonding with friends and keeping our traditions alive," said Rahul Sharma, a 23-year-old student from Cyberabad.

Theme for 2024: Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

This year, the overarching theme is a blend of traditional customs with modern interpretations. The young generation is making a conscious effort to honor the essence of Navratri while also incorporating contemporary styles.

Ritu Agarwal, a 21-year-old designer from Secunderabad, said, "The idea is to respect the culture but not shy away from bringing your twist. We’re combining traditional lehengas with modern silhouettes, capes, and jackets."

Fashion Trends: Comfort Meets Style

One of the most noticeable changes in 2024 is the shift toward comfort without compromising on style. Traditional attire such as lehengas and cholis are still popular, but with new cuts and designs that offer more freedom of movement for the long hours of dancing.

Dhruv Patel, a young professional, explained, "We are seeing a lot of layered looks, capes over lehengas, and even dhoti pants paired with crop tops. It’s practical, especially for Garba and Dandiya, where you need the mobility."

The rise of Indo-Western outfits is also noteworthy, with many choosing fusion styles that combine ethnic and modern elements.

Colors of the Season

Navratri fashion in Hyderabad this year is all about vibrant colors, but there’s also room for experimentation. Traditional colors like red, yellow, and blue are being mixed with pastels and metallics.

Shreya Menon, a 24-year-old dancer, shared, "I love how everyone is experimenting with colors. Neon accents and mirror work are huge this year, and it adds a fun, playful element to the traditional outfits."

Accessorizing and Footwear

No Navratri outfit is complete without the right accessories. Chunky silver jewelry, oxidized bangles, and statement earrings remain in vogue. Many are also opting for comfortable footwear such as juttis and mojaris, though some are pairing their traditional attire with stylish sneakers to enhance both comfort and flair.

Anita Rao, a young professional, added, "Dandiya and Garba sessions can go on for hours, so comfort is key. I’ve invested in embroidered sneakers to wear with my lehenga this year!"

Community Spirit and Celebrations

Apart from individual preparation, the community spirit is stronger than ever. Localities are seeing neighborhoods come together to organize large-scale Dandiya and Garba nights. These events bring not only the local youth but families as well, with everyone contributing to the décor, music, and even themed attire.

"The community bonding is what makes Navratri special for us," said Harsha Reddy, an organizer for a local Dandiya night in Secunderabad. "Everyone—from kids to grandparents—participates, and this year, we are encouraging more Indo-Western fusion styles to keep it inclusive."

Conclusion: A Festival That Blends Tradition and Trend

Navratri 2024 in Hyderabad is shaping up to be a festival where tradition meets innovation. Youngsters are embracing the festival with a modern twist, from their dance routines to their fashion choices. As they prepare to welcome Goddess Durga, the energy in the air is one of joy, unity, and creativity.

With days of practice and the community coming together, Navratri promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, fashion, and togetherness.