India is home to an immense diversity of older women whom you may refer to as aunties as a sign of affection and respect, usually reserved for social connections with whom one shares mutual understanding. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this convention.
Indian drag queens are challenging heteronormative-gender constructs and advocating for LGBTQ rights through traditional Indian clothing and customs, redefining the role of an “Auntie.”
Dressing for a party
Be it for a party or a casual outing, Indian elements can easily be added to any ensemble. Simply begin by wearing a stylish western dress and adding an Indian waistcoat or dupatta for an added ethnic look that makes you stand out amongst a crowd. Furthermore, adding an Indian-style necklace completes your ensemble and completes its look.
Indian culture practices the custom of calling older women “auntie.” This term may apply to any woman that you have social or familial ties to. For example, if your friend brings his auntie Sima’s older second cousin along to a party, you might refer to her as an auntie Sima, but keep in mind this convention does not extend outside India.
Dressing for a wedding
Indian weddings are lively affairs, filled with loud colors and heavy jewelry. Events usually last several days and include choreographed dances performed to Bollywood music as well as religious rituals like Ganesh Pooja or Hastamilap ceremonies. Although these weddings can be overwhelming at first, they provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about Hinduism and its traditions. However, before attending one, there are a few key facts you need to be aware of.
Dress appropriately when attending Indian weddings; while there are no strict dress codes in place, women often wear their most luxurious and elaborate jewelry as a mark of respect to show they are part of their bride’s family and demonstrate marital status.
Keep in mind that India is an immense nation with diverse cultures. While Hinduism is the predominant faith here, not all Indians adhere to it and may have different wedding traditions – which is why it’s wise to research each wedding before attending it.
Keep this in mind at any wedding: any older woman at the celebration should be addressed as an auntie – regardless of your relationship with her – which is used as an endearment across Desi cultures. So if an Indian friend invites an older second cousin to the party, refer to her as Auntie.”
At Indian weddings, it is essential to note that some events hold religious significance that make them inappropriate for foreign guests. One such ceremony involves mehndi designs being drawn on brides and their female family members’ hands and feet prior to ceremonies such as mehndi art.
Although many find this tradition distasteful, it’s essential to realize its religious foundations and its symbolic meaning for brides around the world – that mehndi represents fertility and happiness for them both. That is why this practice has become such a beloved tradition worldwide.
If you’re attending an Indian wedding, light fabrics like chiffon or silk may be appropriate – synthetic materials or heavy ones could make you uncomfortable and may impede movement. A gown or saree may also work; remember to add plenty of jewelry and an elegant purse!
Dressing for a special occasion
Indian culture recognizes “auntie” as an endearment and mark of respect when used appropriately in relation to Desi women (or any other). Therefore, when speaking of them, it should always be used appropriately as it shows our affection and reverence for them and any future interactions!
At an Indian baby shower, all female attendees should be addressed as “Auntie.” This includes both your actual aunt, your cousin’s aunt, and even an older second cousin of both parties.
Dress to impress at your baby shower by wearing a stunning blush pink salwar suit set with an Indian handloom piece – the ideal combination for both traditional and feminine looks! Pair this outfit with accessories like statement earrings or jumars to bring it all together, and don’t forget your gold jewelry; all married Indian women take out all of their authentic pieces when attending special events such as weddings.
Dressing for a funeral
Dress appropriately when attending a funeral service. A funeral is a sad and solemn occasion, so attire should not be flashy or alluring, as this could distract from the low atmosphere of the service. Wear pastel, off-white, or muted-hued clothing; shoes should also be kept to a minimum, with dark-colored shoes recommended if uncertain about what to wear. If unsure, consult with a family member or close friend as this could help make decisions easier.
Dressing appropriately for a funeral depends heavily on the culture and spiritual tradition of the deceased individual. For instance, Hindus believe that death means rebirth in another body, so many opt to wear white attire at funeral services as per tradition. Furthermore, Hinduism includes various funeral rituals which take place after death as part of its practice.
Westerners may find attending an Indian funeral difficult, and it should be handled with great sensitivity, but learning more about their cultural traditions and funeral practices through online resources or knowledgeable family or friends should not be difficult.
At funerals, women should generally dress in black or subdued colors such as gray. Short dresses and skirts that are too short should be avoided. Also important: wearing modest head coverings (not headbands); no jewelry such as necklaces or earrings should be worn; any special requests from funeral organizers for colors should be honored.
If you need guidance in dressing appropriately for a funeral, seek advice from family or close friends for guidance or ask the host of the funeral for instructions regarding what attire should be worn – that way you will be prepared for any eventualities that might arise.
