Waiting for Lakshmi: How One Model Gets Diwali Festival–Ready Inline

  • Bhumika Diwali
    Photo: Courtesy of The Society Management
    1/6

    Being so far away from home, I really wanted to wear a sari that was traditional with a pop of bright color and elegant at the same time.

  • Bhumika Diwali
    Photo: Courtesy of The Society Management
    2/6

    I knew my look wouldn’t be complete unless I had matching glass bangles! These are incredibly fragile but so beautiful. I intentionally picked out a big stack of bangles with the same blend of red, beige, and gold, adorned with faux jewels. They are just as understated as the sari itself, but I loved how chic they looked with my outfit.

  • Bhumika Diwali
    Photo: Courtesy of The Society Management
    3/6

    I was walking in Little India and went into so many different stores, but Vintage India’s beautiful window display immediately caught my attention. It made me think, Finally, maybe this is where I can find a decent sari in New York! You would think out of all the cities in the U.S., it would be a piece of cake to find a nice sari in the city, but most of the saris you find are way too elaborate and colorful—they almost look like costumes. The night is about celebrating Diwali; it’s not about me. I wanted something very understated and elegant, plus I thought the beige sari complemented the red top I had on very nicely!

  • Bhumika Diwali
    Photo: Courtesy of The Society Management
    4/6

    After putting on a petticoat underneath, it’s time to wrap the sari around your body once and drape it over your left shoulder. The whole process can be pretty complicated because you need to fold the remaining fabric tightly, make even pleats, and tuck this portion under the petticoat. You want to make sure this is neatly done; otherwise it can look disastrous! To be honest, after not wearing a sari for two years I was nervous that I wouldn’t remember how to tie one properly, but I did it right in just one try. Woot!

  • Bhumika Diwali
    Photo: Courtesy of The Society Management
    5/6

    The only piece of jewelry I wanted to wear around my face: these beautiful ethnic earrings that are the perfect match of gold and red. I also picked a big stack of matching Indian glass bangles with the same blend of colors and a red bindi to complete the look.