Churidar a favourite choice this Deepavali

The Churidar better known as the Punjabi suit appears to be the top fashion choice for Deepavali which will be celebrated on Nov 13.

Shammugam Raju, 43, the owner of Sri Kannan Sarees in Little India, Brickfields here, said the dress, also known as the anarkali suit and much preferred by Bollywood actresses, was a big hit among shoppers for this Deepavali.

He said his shop sold hand stitched Churidar with the fabric specially imported from India.

"The quality of hand-stitched Churidar is better than machine-stitched," Shanmugam, who has been in business for the last four years, told Bernama.

He said the price for a Churidar was 20 per cent higher this year because of higher import prices.

Ratna Devi, 31, a salesgirl at Kedai Bollywood there, said sales appeared to be good this year although the outlet was in its very first year of operation, opening just last May.

"We had to replenish stocks twice a month because they run out so fast especially the Churidar because they are the latest Bollywood style.

"Some shoppers are so advanced they ask us about the latest accessories worn by Bollywood actress which even we do not know about," she said.

She said besides the Churidar, other popular choices among shoppers this Deepavali were sarees and lengha (traditional Indian dresses for women) that were modified in the latest Bollywood styles.

A shopper, R. Hema, 24, from Pantai Dalam here, said she came to Little India today to find the latest styles and best bargains.

"Here, we are spoilt for choice and the prices are also reasonable," said Hema, who was recently engaged and was also looking for wedding materials.