A Note On: Festival Shopping

Festival season is big time to buy new things.
But do you really need to buy NEW, always?

I love a good diwali shopping, and to top it off- nothing like a good sale season to go with it. One of the hot buys for me is electronics, as is for thousands of us.
But let’s remove “needs” and focus on “wants”
A very specific kind at that.

This entire post/blog is not for those who wait till Diwali to buy the things they want and need, but for some of us who mindlessly purchase just because.

I mean, nothing wrong with that.

But there’s an alternative to it. Recall all the love you poured into purchasing when last Diwali was abuzz. The new outfits, the Torans, the decor. How much of it can be reused, you think?

Surprisingly, when I started thinking this way- turned out I really had no need to shop for Diwali this year, apart from consumables like candles (which let’s be honest is groceries)

I actually have a Kurta set I purchased from MadhyaPradesh Arts and Crafts exhibition and got stitched which I’ve been looking to wear for a while but never found the right opportunity to- which I could use.
It’s not exactly evening wear, but hey! My Diwali, my rules.

The lack of “keeping up appearances” has relieved me of so much pressure that I can actually do the things I want in Diwali and look forward to enjoying it in a calmer manner than running around all over the place.

For me, one of the things that makes a festival feel like one is cleaning and resetting for the upcoming days.

The intentionally of festivals to look inwards and focus on family also gives me time to look at my wardrobe, purge and donate what isn’t serving me anymore, and make space for things that I will need in the following year.

So, there will be some shopping this season after all. I don’t have good everyday basic t-shirts of quality that can stand both my lounging + sleeping, and some errands time. I’ve found a few Indian brands dealing in quality basic outerwear as their ethos- think March Tee (for men), DesiMinimals, even this brand on amazon called Juneberry (cost friendly for sure, but not the thickest materials) that I may add. I think it’s better if I make a separate post about it.

Once again, the idea is not to deter from shopping. It’s a lovely feeling to buy something new. The anticipation of its arrival, the gleeful atmosphere of a home fashion show, or the fulfilment of a long needed product.
Hell, by all means- shop away. But there’s a case to be made on intentionality here.
I’m not even talking about sustainability. I know it would eventually follow.

And yes, do strive for a happy and comfy festival season. I know I will :)

⁃ xoxo, PausePick

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