Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is an important festival for the Hindus. Popularly celebrated as the “festival of lights”, the celebration brings families together over traditional activities in their homes.
More importantly, during Deepavali (and like most Asian cultural events), they celebrate by the sharing of sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Not forgetting the donning of new clothes!
But let’s start from the basics.
When it comes to festivals like these, the Hindu women stop at nothing in preparation to look absolutely stunning on the day of celebration. Hair salons and beauty spas aside, they would put in extra effort and pay attention to the littlest of details – starting from the face.
Threading is an ancient method of hair removal that has been wide popular in the Eastern world. It some parts, threading is originally only done when a woman is getting married or limited to special occasions only. Deepavali is a special occasion after all, isn’t it?
There are places in Telawi, Bangsar Baru that provide threading services (e.g. eyebrow, upper lip, underarms, etc.) and it’s really not as painful as one would imagine. Pretty affordable too (prices for threading start from as low as RM5, depending on store) so if you’re up for it, head right over to:
1. Sheela’s (49-1-Jalan Telawi 3, 51900, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur)
2. Rupini’s (54, Jalan Telawi, 59100, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur)
3. Vaani’s (34A, Jalan Telawi 5, 59100, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur)
This occasion is also the perfect time to doll and dress up in the most elaborate ways, from top to toe. On a regular basis, these women wear casual sarees but come Deepavali, the finest sarees with the most beautiful of embroideries are seen. Some even dish it out with exclusive, designer sarees or fine, silk sarees. Extravagant!
Because of the many varieties of saree materials and styles, prices may vary. You’re looking at anywhere from between RM50 to about RM300! And here are some places in Kuala Lumpur that you can go to for your saree hunt:
1. Little India (Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur)
2. Masjid India (Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur)
3. Little India (Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang)
The above three places are the original shopping havens for all things Indian (and some Indian Muslim). So you can be sure to find beautiful costumes/dresses, as well as accessories to go with your new Deepavali wear.
Armed with all that information, you’re ready to go. Happy hunting for your perfect saree and accessories. And don’t forget to swing by Bangsar for that threading appointment!
