Makar Sankranti is indeed the celebration of joy. Harvests mark a new beginning, and people celebrate with kites, sweets, and of course, amazing clothes. But while it stands as the festival of tradition, it symbolizes another body philosophy that espouses new beginnings.
Why not then start with an eco-friendly direction to dress up for Makar Sankranti? Make it a great Makar Sankranti by celebrating with style and no damage to the environment. Let's first see how you can make this transition to sustainable festive fashion in your Makar Sankranti, using amazing fabrics that are both beautiful and friendly to the earth.
Choosing eco-friendly fabrics for Makar Sankranti is not just a fashion statement. It is a better decision for Earth. Most fabrics require large quantities of water, chemicals, and energy in their making. Choosing sustainable ones reduces the negative footprint on the environment and saves this earth for future generations.
Besides, the sustainable material is not unique but also beautiful in texture. They remind you of Mother Nature, the very definition of Makar Sankranti.
1. Organic Cotton: Soft, and Breathable
Cotton has always been a favorite for Indian festivals, and for good reason: it is as soft, breathable, and perfect for the weather during the days of Makar Sankranti. Traditional cotton farming, however, consumes pesticides and water to a rather high extent and also damages the environment.
Organic cotton can give the Eco-friendly Makar Sankranti fashion. This is because organic cotton does not use dangerous chemicals to cultivate it, thus safer for farmers as well as the environment and also on the skin. And this fabric feels soft and snug and promotes eco-friendly ways of farming.
2. Hemp: Durable and Environment Friendly
Indeed, the fashion related to sustainable festive clothing is taking on this amazing hemp fabric. Known for its durability and low water requirements, plus its being inherently resistant to pests, it requires no poisonous pesticides, so there are no pollutants.
Hemp fabrics give a very roving feel to your whole attire. You could appropriately pair these simple kurtas with some other high-quality hemp scarves. It is also an excellent choice if you want clothing that will be durable and grow beautifully with time.
3. Tencel (Lyocell): Modern Sustainable Fabric
Tencel is silky smooth and flows beautifully and is excellent for producing that perfect bit of flow and elegance required for the outfit of Makar Sankranti. Stylish sarees or modern Indo-western dresses can be paired with the easy-wearing comfort of Tencel while being gentle to the earth.
4. Linen: Timeless and Earth-Friendly
This material has been ageless and environmentally friendly. The process is chemical-free, thus resulting in lesser processing damage than other fibres. It comes from the flax plant and requires far less water than cotton to grow. This also makes it biodegradable, which is an excellent option for sustainable festive fashion.
Fresh, light, airy with a romantic appeal, linen is the ultimate fabric for Makar Sankranti. The natural gentle texture of linen gives it an elegance and has it hold the values of the earth-friendly movement. Be it as a chic kurta or a soft saree, linen is never out of fashion.
5. Khadi: Sustainability and Freedom
Khadi symbolizes India's freedom struggle and self-reliance. It is hand-spun and hand-woven, mostly out of cotton, giving the fabric that old rich cultural sense. With Khadi, you don't just support sustainability but also local artisans.
Khadi requires almost negligible energy to produce, and since it is hand-woven, it provides sources of livelihood to weavers all over India. It's perfect for those who wish to mark a Greener Makar Sankranti with a tinge of the traditional. You can get Khadi clothing in various designs, from simple kurtas to more beautiful designs.
Another sustainable festive fashion is to take care of your garments so that they last longer. Although eco-friendly fabrics are durable, special care is needed so they can retain quality. These are how:
- Gently Washed: Most organic cotton and linen fabrics require gentle cold washing. Harshest chemical detergents should also be avoided as they could break the natural fibres.
- Ironing with Caution: Most of these eco-friendly fabrics like linen create wrinkles quite easily. Use low heat while ironing to avoid any damages caused to the fabric.
Final Overview
This Makar Sankranti, think about what you wear and what you gift. Whether it is dressing up in those simple, eco-friendly Makar Sankranti outfits or choosing sustainable gifts by occasion, let's make this celebration a step towards a greener, more mindful future. So, what will your sustainable Sankranti look like this year? Choose eco-friendly fabrics and let your fashion make a difference!
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