There's a particular smell that fills the house the moment Purattasi begins. The Golu steps get dusted off, the dolls come out of storage, the kitchen smells of sundal, and the house fills with the sound of guests dropping by.
This year, Navratri runs from October 11 to 19. Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja fall on October 19, Vijayadashami on October 20. Then, a few weeks later, Diwali arrives on November 8.
You've probably already picked your outfits. But it's the jewellery that finishes the look. Which piece for which day, which necklace pairs with which saree — that's exactly what this guide is for.
For Golu Days: Traditional, But Not Heavy
Nine nights, house to house — exchanging tambulam, singing songs, catching up with neighbours. On these days, jewellery needs to look beautiful and still let you move around comfortably all evening.
What works:
- Temple-style necklace — a Lakshmi pendant or a kasu-mala design. It pairs with almost any silk saree without a second thought.
- Medium jhumkas — not the oversized ones. A heavy jhumka by the third hour will leave your ears sore.
- A slim bangle set — skip the wrist full of thick bangles. Two or three delicate ones do the job better.
Small tip: Your hands are what guests notice most while you're greeting them. Choose your bangles and ring with a little more care than usual.
Saraswati Puja & Ayudha Puja (October 19)
This is a quiet, devotional day. "Less is more" applies here more than anywhere else.
- A single delicate chain
- Small studs or mini jhumkas
- One simple ring
In the soft light of the puja room, understated jewellery is what actually looks elegant.
Vijayadashami (October 20)
A day for new beginnings — Vidyarambham for kids, a new job, a new venture.
This is the day for a slightly brighter look — an AD stone necklace set or something with red and green stones. It photographs beautifully too.
Diwali (November 8): Where Tradition Meets a Little Sparkle
Diwali means new clothes, diya light, and family photographs.
- Morning (oil bath, crackers, temple visit): A simple gold-tone chain, small earrings. Nothing that can get caught in a crowd.
- Evening (dinner, relatives' place): A full necklace set — necklace plus matching earrings. AD stone or kundan-style works well.
- For photos: A matched necklace-and-earring set photographs far more polished than mixing pieces.
Jewellery for Your Saree — A Simple Guide
| Saree Type | Jewellery That Works |
|---|---|
| Kanjivaram silk | Temple jewellery, long haram, kasu-mala |
| Soft silk | AD stone necklace set, medium jhumkas |
| Cotton / linen | Oxidised jewellery, small studs, thin chain |
| Designer saree / gown | Contemporary design, one statement necklace |
A general rule: if the saree has heavy work, let the jewellery stay simple. If the saree is plain, let the jewellery speak. If both are heavy, the whole look gets cluttered.
How to Keep Covering Jewellery Shining for Years
Want your one-gram gold or imitation jewellery's plating to last? These five habits are all you need.
- Wear it last. Perfume, deodorant, hairspray — put these on first, jewellery after. These chemicals are the number one reason plating fades early.
- Take it off first. The moment you're home, take your jewellery off before anything else. Sweat isn't kind to plating.
- Wipe with a soft cloth. No water, no soap — just a dry, soft cotton cloth.
- Store pieces separately. Keep each piece in its own zip pouch. Jewellery rubbing against jewellery is what causes scratches.
- Keep it away from moisture. A dry section of your cupboard, with a silica gel packet nearby, is ideal.
Follow these five, and your jewellery will look just as fresh for the next festival — and the one after that.
Why Madhushrea Collection?
We're a small, family-run business. Every single piece is checked by hand before it ships.
- Carefully curated, premium imitation jewellery
- Long-lasting plating, skin-safe design
- Free delivery above ₹499
- We ship across India
- Real reviews from real customers
Ready for This Festive Season?
Navratri is only a few weeks away, and once the season picks up, the pieces people love tend to sell out fast.
Browse our festive collection →
WhatsApp us at 96192 23334 — not sure what suits your saree? Send us a photo, and we'll help you pick.