Margazhi fashion: Tradition, textures & tug of the monsoon
Margazhi is never just another month in the Tamil calendar; its a feeling stitched between devotion and drama. There is something cinematic about Margazhi mornings, especially the mist that hugs the pavement, the hum of bhajans , and the city dressed in temple gold. The month feels like a festival woven from memory, yet it unfolds with new textures each year. Sabha schedules stack up, kutcheris spill into every corner of the city, and audiences arrive dressed for an unspoken runway silks swaying under stage lights, jewellery catching the sparkle of spotlight glare. And just when wardrobes begin to bloom, the skies shift tone, sending showers that threaten hems and hairstyles alike. But fashion during Margazhi has always been a performance: part nostalgia, part resilience, and part quiet rebellion. This season, style steps into the spotlight not in spite of the rain, but because of it. Seasonal styling For many, Margazhi style begins with the reverence of the month itself. Margazhi is the ninth month of the Tamil calendar and is known for spiritual growth, says Anjileena, designer and founder of The House of Anji, calling it a time steeped in kutcheri culture and temple energy. It is also, she notes, a month that brings out the classical side of fashion for Tamil Nadu baddies. But balancing Margazhi style with the monsoon season in South India can be a little challenging. Movement becomes central when fashion meets Margazhi schedules sabha hopping, wading through puddles and balancing umbrellas with pleats and bags in hand. Content creator Manasa Sai turns to saris as her timeless choice, calling them classic and instantly standout pieces. When not draping, she leans on Indo-Western silhouettes and long-sleeved kurtis layered based on weather changes. That balance begins with fabric. Anjileenas rule of thumb is simple: choose materials that stay light, dry fast and dont cling. She suggests quick-dry fabrics like georgette, semi silks, rayon, poplins, and any other polyester blend fabric, and recommends georgette floral saris with crepe linings and lightweight polyester printed kurtis or co-ord sets that she describes as modest, comfortable and rain-friendly. Wardrobe stylist Sanjana Loganathan offers a winter-appropriate approach with thicker cottons and wool-blend layers, saying cottons are your best option during Margazhi s cultural rush. When it comes to aesthetics, the season leans heavily into traditional identity. Anjileena prefers hand blocks, ajrakh and small kalamkari motifs, which she finds more refined, especially when paired with darker bases. Sanjana points to prints like lotus, gopuram and kolam -inspired patterns such as muthukattam and encourages upcycling old saris and veshti borders into contemporary silhouettes as a way to stay rooted while experimenting. Colour shapes the emotional tone of the month. Sanjana recommends shades like navy, burgundy and emerald green, explaining that darker colours are both elegant and practical in the rain. Manasa sees colour as something deeper than design. The skies are grey right now, and all that impacts your outfit, she says. So I go for bright colourssomething thats orange, olive green or teal blue. The look comes out well. She layers these over basics like black, beige, and brown to keep balance without losing vibrancy. Layer by Layer Layering is a shared philosophy. The key in this season is layering, Manasa says, urging stylish jackets and turtlenecks. Sanjana encourages scarves, jackets and oversized shirts as functional styling tools. Anjileena keeps utility first, suggesting thin windcheaters or light raincoats from PVC or PU, and crepe trench coats that stay lightweight and fast-drying. Footwear decides how gracefully one can move through the Margazhi music seasons chaos. Anjileena recommends rubber-based Kolhapuris, waterproof juttis and PVC flats in earthy tones that dry quickly and remain traditional. Manasa avoids flats altogether and prefers a small lift, saying even a one-inch heel changes confidence and silhouette. She turns to toe-covered footwear and loafers in shades like grey, beige, dark brown and black. Meanwhile, Sanjana finds platform shoes both stylish and rain-safe. Accessories anchor the look without sacrificing practicality. Anjileena suggests PU or PVC sling or tote bags, transparent umbrellas and minimal jewellery. Sanjana revives nostalgia with the plastic wire koodai bag trendy, kitschy, water-repellent and supportive of local artisans. Manasa chooses anti-tarnish brass jewellery, calling a bracelet, earrings and chain her non-negotiable trio for instant polish. Makeup stays weather-aware with waterproof kajal and mascara, and she reminds us that grooming itself matters: neat hair and eyebrows elevate any outfit. A Gen Z Margazhi Gen-Z reshapes tradition with playful boldness. Anjileena imagines a Margazhi wardrobe with a crepe crop jacket, flared culottes, a chic tote and closed PU or PVC mules with minimal makeup. Sanjana encourages digging into family wardrobes and draping saris differently. Manasa wants them to go fearless with colour, saying they can even wear a sari over jeans and a crop top to create a stylish statement. Because Margazhi fashion, like the music that scores it, is always reinvented, rooted in heritage, shaped by weather and ready to perform under the spotlight of the season.
Prada Kolhapuris: No profit sharing for artisans yet
Pradas Rs 84,000 Kolhapuri Sandals Set For 2026 Launch
The Italian luxury house teams up with Indian artisan bodies to craft a limited-edition line using traditional techniques
Prada partners with India to take Kolhapuri Chappals global; signs landmark MoU with LIDCOM & LIDKAR
Pradas new move: 85,000 Kolhapuris that are actually 'Made in India'
Prada has partnered with Indian leather bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR to launch a limited-edition sandal line inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. This initiative follows criticism for cultural appropriation, ensuring artisans are central to the production of 2,000 handcrafted pairs made in Maharashtra and Karnataka, set for a global release in February 2026.
MoU was signed between Prada and Maharashtra and Karnataka's Leather Industries
Italian luxury brand Prada has partnered with Indian artisans to launch a limited-edition Kolhapuri Chappal collection. Priced at approximately $930, the 2,000-pair line aims to preserve traditional craftsmanship and showcase Indian heritage on a global fashion stage, with potential for significant export growth.
After Prada pact, Piyush Goyal says Kolhapuri chappal exports can touch USD 1 bn/yr
Kolhapuri chappal exports could reach USD 1 billion yearly. Italian fashion house Prada signed an MoU to create Kolhapuri chappal-inspired sandals. This collaboration recognizes Indian artisans. The limited edition collection debuts in February 2026. It will be manufactured in India, fostering skill exchange and cultural dialogue. This initiative highlights the global potential of Indian craftsmanship.
Prada to source collection of sandals, inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals from LIDCOM, LIDKAR
Earlier in June this year, Prada faced criticism for leather sandals in its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which closely resembled Kolhapuri Chappal
Prada to roll out $930 Made in India sandals crafted with desi artisans after backlash
Prada is launching a limited-edition sandal collection in India, inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals, to be sold for around 800 euros. This collaboration with Indian artisans, following past criticism for cultural appropriation, aims to blend local craftsmanship with Italian technology. The collection, featuring 2,000 pairs, will be available globally in February 2026.
The Divyang Wheelchair Cricket Associations Maharashtra Premier League 2025, for wheelchair cricket played its first tourney between December 3 and 5 at Andheri West. The teams were Mumbai Blasters, Nashik Eagles, Pune Hitters, Mumbai Raiders, Kolhapur Titans, and Pune Pacers. mid-days Nimesh Dave brings you the action from the ground
FDDI Hyderabad Hosts Three-Day Footwear Exhibition
Visitors were welcomed into a space that placed Mojari next to Jutti, Pulla near Chamba footwear, and Kolhapuri beside the Bharwadi Desi Joda and Pabu craft, there celebrating footwear as cultural memory and contemporary study.
TET paper leak racket busted in Kolhapur; 18 arrested
So far, we have arrested 18 persons in the case and the number may rise as the probe progresses. The involvement of more individuals, including facilitators and beneficiaries of the leak, is being investigated, the police said.
`4cr online fraud: 2nd accused traced to Kolhapur, arrested
NT Reporter | Panaji Goa cyber crime police, probing the biggest online fraud in Goa involving an amount of Rs 4.74 crore, have arrested second accused Suraj Eknath Savat in connection with the case. Savat is a native of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Police said a retired employee from Tiswadi, aged 72, lost the money to a [] The post `4cr online fraud: 2nd accused traced to Kolhapur, arrested appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Mahayuti, MVA lines blur for local body elections
Political parties are setting aside differences to win local elections. Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar's NCP are discussing an alliance for Pimpri Chinchwad polls. In Kolhapur, both NCP factions are uniting against the BJP. Shiv Sena (Shinde) wants to ally with BJP in Nagpur, threatening a broader coalition if talks fail.
Rival NCP Factions Join Hands Against BJP In Kolhapur
Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawars NCP have joined hands to form a front named Rajarshi Shahu Vikas Aghadi, (RSVA) which will contest the Chandgad Nagar Panchayat and Zilla Parishad elections.
After Kolhapuri Chappals, Pradas Rs 69,000 safety pin sparks online outrage over luxury minimalism
Prada's Rs 69,000 safety pin brooch has sparked online debate about luxury pricing and minimalism. This follows criticism earlier this year when the brand sold sandals resembling Indian Kolhapuri chappals for over $785, igniting accusations of cultural appropriation and a lack of credit to artisans.
Favourite Maharashtrian breakfast finds home in Hyderabad
Theres something magical about a good plate of Misal Pav, that fiery, flavorful Maharashtrian breakfast that wakes up your senses with every bite. The crunchy farsan, the spicy kat (curry), the soft pav buns soaking up all that masala goodness, its an explosion of taste thats impossible to forget. Born in Pune and Kolhapur, Misal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Mumbai Diary | Face recognition system at Mantralaya a mess
Maharashtras Mantralaya introduced a digital face-recognition system to make entry and exit easier for visitors from across the state. However, the system is creating more delays than the traditional method. Visitors are getting stranded at entry points because the data entry process is complex and time-consuming. The face-reading machines often struggle to read a steady flow of faces, causing longer queues. Instead of speeding up access, the digital entry has become a burden on both staff and visitors. Many now spend more time waiting outside Mantralaya than they did under the old manual system, highlighting the systems limitations. Shindes Shiv Sena eyes united fight for polls The Deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena wants to contest the local body elections as part of the Mahayuti rather than going solo. Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil said, The interest of Mahayuti is to remain together and contest together. That is a sentiment echoed across party leaders. There is concern that if the BJP uses its machinery to win many seats, allies may be weakened and their bargaining power reduced. Shiv Sena leaders cite the Marathi proverb, Zhakali mut savva lakhachi a folded hand hides many secrets underlining the need for unity to protect their influence and prevent being sidelined in the alliance. Ban on pigeon feeding earns Jains wrath The Jain community, respected for its business acumen and spiritual guidance, is unhappy with recent government decisions. Actions such as banning the feeding of pigeons, relocating the elephant Madhuri from Kolhapur Jain Math to the Ambani-run Vantara zoo, and tensions over Marathi versus Jain-Gujarati issues have upset both followers and spiritual leaders. In a Mumbai meeting, senior Gurus warned that if the government does not address their concerns, they may launch their own political platform to raise these issues. They also cautioned Deputy CM Eknath Shinde to rein in officials, or the community may take a strong stand. Sudhir Suryawanshi Our correspondent in Maharashtra suryawanshi.sudhir@gmail.com
PRADA delegation meets Kolhapuri chappal artisans in Athani, promises cooperation
A team to be sent to train in its Indian facility
TTD Chairman presents silk robes at Kolhapur temple
Maharashtra Government Approves Policy to Boost Digital Content Sector
To support this growth, the government has planned to establish AVGC-XR parks in Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Satara, and Kolhapur, creating regional hubs for talent and innovation.
Crops over 42.84 lakh acres damaged by heavy rain in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: Over 42.84 lakh acres ready-to-harvest crops got badly damaged in the torrential rain in Maharashtra . According to the Maharashtra agriculture minister Duttaray Bharne, the 17, 85,714 hectares (42.84 lakh acres) of standing and ready to harvest crops got damaged. Nanded is one of the worst-affected districts, where 7.28 lakh hectares of crops got badly impacted, following 2.03 lakh hectares of crops damaged in Wasim district. In Yavatmal district, 3.18 lakh hectares, while 1.57 lakh hectares in Dharashiv, 1.77 lakh hectares in Akola, 47,266 hectares in Solapur, and 89,782 hectares of crops in Buldhana district were ruined in the heavy rain. In the torrential rain, impacted affected districts are Hingoli, Parbhani, Amravati, Jalgaon, Wardha, Sangli, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Dhule, Jalgaon, Ratnagiri, Chandrapur, Satara, Nashik, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Gadchiroli, Raigad, Nagpur, and Pune. The most suffered crops include soybean, maize, cotton, urad, tur, moong while other places, vegetables, fruit crops, millet, sugarcane, onion, jowar and turmeric crops have also been affected. 35 lakh acres of crops damaged in torrential rain in Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Bharen said that Maharashtra has been witnessing heavy rains and floods over the last two months, which havecaused huge losses to farmers. The heavy rains in August and September of this year have caused huge losses in a total of 195 talukas across 30 districts of Maharashtra. The rains during this period have caused huge losses to Kharif crops in 654 revenue circles, the agriculture minister said. He further added that the Panchnamas in some districts have been completed, and compensation has also been extended to the affected farmers. The Panchnamas in the remaining areas are going on a war footing. The state is taking all possible measures to provide financial assistance to the affected farmers. State government is standing firmly with the farmers in times of this crisis, Bharne said. Sharad Pawar , in his Nasik farmers outcry rally, criticized the state government for ignoring the farmers. He said that in the last two months, more than two thousand farmers committed suicide, but no serious attention has been given.
10-Year-Old In Maharashtra Suffers Heart Attack While Playing, Dies In Mother's Lap
A 10-year-old boy from Kolhapur in Maharashtra died of a heart attack after feeling uneasy while playing at a Ganesh Pandal.
Bombay HC shifts Sanatan Sanstha defamation case to Kolhapur from Goa over safety issue
The suits arose from comments linking Sanatan Sanstha and its members to the murders of a scribe and rationalists
Rioting in Kolhapur leaves 10 injured, several vehicles torched
A communal clash in Kolhapur during a football club anniversary celebration injured ten people, including two policemen, due to a misunderstanding over a sound system installation. The violence escalated as a mob pelted stones, vandalized vehicles, and set some ablaze, prompting police intervention.
Kolhapur: 10 injured, including two police officers in clash over sound system dispute
Violent clashes erupted in Siddharth Nagar and Raje Baghsawar areas of Kolhapur late yesterday night, resulting in injuries to ten persons, including police personnel.The unrest began as a dispute over a sound system installed for the anniversary ...
Orange Alert In Mumbai As Heavy Rain Continues; Short Circuits, Tree Falls Reported
Mumbai was placed under an orange alert as heavy rains continued, while IMD issued a red alert for Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur, and Pune.
CJI Gavai launches Bombay HC's 4th bench in Kolhapur
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud inaugurated the Bombay High Court's new circuit bench in Kolhapur district on Sunday, with Maharashtra's Chief Minister and Deputy CM in attendance. This fourth bench aims to alleviate the burden on litigants and lawyers who previously had to travel to Mumbai for hearings. The High Court also has benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Goa.
CJI B.R. Gavai inaugurates Bombay High Court circuit Bench at Kolhapur
At present, apart from the principal bench in Mumbai, the HC has two more benches at Nagpur in Vidarbha region and Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) in Marathwada region. A third bench of the High Court sits in adjoining Goa
