What to wear to Diwali?

Katgoddess

I have been invited to lunch at the local Sikh temple next Friday for Diwali, along with the rest of my colleagues. I have been told I need to cover my head, but will I need to do anything else? Are there any colours I should avoid? How should I wear my scarf without looking like nora batty?

I would like to be respectful, and look slightly fashionable at the same time.

Smiley_Mum

Had a look, not too much I could find but you usually wear new, brightly coloured clothing for Diwali.

Here are some links...

http://www.dialindia.com/festivals/diwali/clothes.html

http://www.theholidayspot.com/diwali/around_the_world.htm

http://in.dir.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/India/Society_and_Culture/Religion_and_Spirituality/Faiths_and_Practices/Hinduism/Holidays_and_Observances/Diwali/

Sarahsaver

Have you got a punjabi suit? Any asian people I know are really flattered if you try and wear traditional dress such as that. At my kids school the female teachers dress in punjabi suits and sarees for Diwali and Eid, as does the lollipop lady.
As for the scarf think Jemima Khan when she used to wear a headscarf.

pavlovs_dog

wow, make sure you report back katgoddess, ive often wondered wat other religions' ceremonies entail

Katgoddess

I really don't want to wear a punjabi suit. It's only going to be for an hour or so. I've googled some images of Jemima, and she looks beautiful. I don't think I could wear my scarf like that and eat at the same time!



This is how I wear a head scarf during the summer. I have a couple of large hankie type things from primark that I fold into a triangle and tie behind my head. It doesn't cover all my hair though?

I'm very curious about this as well. I can go into the temple as well, but i'll have to take my shoes off.

Sarahsaver

I went into a Hindu temple and a Mosque in India. Just had to take my shoes off. That is because the feet are 'unclean' and also you have all the dirt of the outside world on your shoes! It is customary to wash beforehand as well, I saw washing areas outside the temples and a large area in the Mosque for this purpose.
Also I know from a Sikh friend that they often just put a small cloth over the head, shouldn't matter if you do not cover all your hair. Most major religions have something in them about covering the head whilst in the place of worship, christianity included!;) Have a great time.

the_postman_2

NiceGuyG wrote:

just go in your underwear, trust me, it makes life easier as you don't have to worry about what people will think. Also I find its a talking point away from the back biting my uncles and aunts would otherwise do.

Have you looked at annsummers.com?

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Why conform? Many other religions do not with us?

But i guess its an invite so its good manners? :cool:

Lillibet_2

We took part in Diwali when we were in India 4 years ago. At this time of year in the UK I woudl suggest a Pasmina type shawl for covering your head as this will help keep you warm too if it's chilly! You will almost certainly be asked to remove your shoes & socks before going in to teh temple, I'd say avoid tights or anything else diffcuilt to remove! Other than that, just nothing to reveiling, I's recommend avoiding bear shoulders or too mcuh exposed flesh & bright colours may be apprecieated (or at least stop you looking too out of place!) trousers for a western woman should be fine if you like.

Have fun, Diwali is a fab festival;)

Katgoddess

Thank you Smileymum, Sarah Saver, Pavlovs Dog, and Lillibet for your helpful ideas. :grinheart

I'm just going to wear one of my normal office outfits, trousers and longsleved top, with one of my pashminas on my head. I just hope it will stay on while I'm eating. :eek:

bargainlover2006

Hi Katgoddess

Another thing to consider is that most likely you will have to sit down on mats therefore dont wear a tight trouser that will dig into yur skin - it will just make is difficult for you. And like it has been mentioned before you can wear any colour and if you cover your head partially even that should be OK. Some youngsters come in jeans and bandanas and thats ok as well.

shallowpockets

Hi Katgoddess, I would wear a long top, there's some really trendy kurtas in New Look etc if you want to buy one that you can wear for other occasions as well over trousers as when you bend down it's not flattering to have one's !!!! sticking out. We always bend down to pray and offer some money as a blessing as you bend down you will be conscious of the fact that the rest of the congregation are sitting behind you, thus the long top! You need to have your head covered as soon as you enter the temple and don't remove until you leave. A scarf tied in whichever fashion suits is perfectly acceptable and I don't personally think that any colours are a no-no even black or white. Bare shoulders is not acceptable and skirts/trousers ideally long enough not to show too much leg, ideally none should be on display (don't ask me why). Take some tissues with you as you will need them for the parshad as it's really buttery but gorgeous and definetly try it. Also make sure that you have some langar (food) as it's always tastes lovely as it's made fresh in the gurdwara that day. Your local gurdwara might even light candles and if so you can take one yourself which makes a nice gesture.