When Durga Puja is around the corner everything takes on a pleasantly cheery air — from the sun and cotton ball clouds to the swaying patches of long-stemmed kaash-phool — and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t too. So, as you make up your mind to steal the thunder this Puja, turn to the divine family for inspiration. We bring you five distinct looks inspired by Durga, Saraswati, Kartik, Lakshmi and Ganesh. It’s the coming together of power, knowledge, romance, opulence and indulgence with oodles of style to create five distinct looks that are sure to put you in the fashion pantheon this festive season.

Ganesh

Actor Indraneil Sengupta gives into gourmet delights in Abhishek Dutta’s chanderi kurta with threadwork paisleys in red and antique gold and a cotton printed dhoti with a beige woven border. A slate jacket with a leather collar, machine texturisation and zip detailing adds a smart contemporary touch (price on request). Shoes from Kolapuri Centre, Ballygunge Phari.

Lakshmi

Satarupa outshines everything else in her Pallavi Singhee outfit (Rs 24,300) from 85 Lansdowne. The label is called Verb and the chiffon angrakha is cut beautifully to flaunt the Gujarati embroidery with multi-coloured thread, sequins and pearls inside. Satarupa’s Malaga bag (Rs 9,025) with a Mughal-style motif is also from 85 Lansdowne, while her jewellery is all from Diagold. Made from 18-22 carat gold, the pieces have been inspired by the Mughal era and handcrafted using polki diamonds, kundan and cultured pearls. The parrot ring on her left hand flaunts enamel work in colours like lilac, blue, mauve and yellow (prices on request). Shoes from Aldo, Forum Courtyard. (Owl charm: stylist’s own)

Location courtesy Diagold, Lee Road

Saraswati

Lost in thought at her favourite bookstore, Arpita exudes a mellow charm in a cotton printed ankle-length skirt (Rs 3,300) from Ritu Kumar’s new prêt line Label. Also, from Label is the pin-tuck cotton kurti, hand-embroidered with beads along the neckline (Rs 1,800). The ensemble is accessorised with a Ritu Kumar yellow leather printed sling bag (Rs 7,900), and Amrapali silver earrings and cuff from Weavers Studio (price range: Rs 1,500 to Rs 10,000). Chanel glasses (Rs 20,800) from GKB Opticals, Park Street. Shoes from Charles & Keith, Forum Courtyard.

Location courtesy Crossword, Elgin Road

Durga

Sona epitomises the jaw-dropping mix of beauty and power that is the Goddess. Her Kadamja sari from Byloom (Rs 7,500) — a matka tissue creation with jamdani work embellishing the resham pallu — is transformed into a high fashion ensemble by Anamika Khanna’s antique silver textured waistcoat with zardozi appliqué. And Eina Ahluwalia empowers the look with her gold-plated brass jewellery — trishul cuffs, trishul earrings with red onyx teardrops and Kali neckpiece (made to order). Shoes from Charles & Keith, Forum Courtyard.

Kartik

Nick plays the smooth romantic to the hilt in Shantanu Goenka black velvet cowl pants matched with a black silk linen military waistcoat also designed by Goenka (prices on request). The look is rounded off by a royal purple Esquire partywear shirt (Rs 1,795). Rukmini is his perfectly stunning arm candy in her United Colours of Benetton (UCB) 100 per cent polyester dress (Rs 2,999) with a black velvet belt, accessorised with a cloth band wrist watch (Rs 1,250) and a neck piece (Rs 750), both from Promod, Forum Courtyard. Shoes from UCB, South City Mall.

Location courtesy Someplace Else, The Park, Calcutta

Styling: Ruchita Saikia
Hair and make-up: Sayanta Dhali
Ganesh, Lakshmi, Kartik photographs by Rashbehari Das
Durga, Saraswati photographs by Subhendu Chaki