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About Kurta : A kurta (also kurti for a shorter version worn by women) is a traditional item of clothing worn in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is a loose shirt falling either just above or somewhere below the knees of the wearer, and is worn by both men and women. They were traditionally worn with loose-fitting paijama (kurta-paijama), loose-fitting salwars, tight-fitting churidars, or wrapped-around dhotis; but are now also worn with jeans. Kurtas are worn both as casual everyday wear and as formal dress. A kurta is also referred to as a panjabi, (usually spelled lower-case) in Bengal, Sri Lanka, Britain, and Canada.

Women often wear kurtis as blouses, usually over jeans. These kurtis are typically much shorter than the traditional garments and made with a lighter materials, like those used in sewing kameez.

Imported kurtas were fashionable in the 1960s and 1970s, as an element of hippie fashion, fell from favor briefly, and are now again fashionable. South Asian women may also wear this Western adaptation of South Asian fashion.

Formal kurtas are usually custom-made by South Asian tailors, who work with the fabric their customers bring them. South Asians overseas, and Westerners, can buy them at South Asian clothing stores or order them from web retailers.

Styles: A traditional kurta is composed of rectangular fabric pieces with perhaps a few gusset inserts, and is cut so as to leave no wasted fabric. The cut is usually simple, although decorative treatments can be elaborate.

The sleeves of a traditional kurta fall straight to the wrist; they do not narrow, as do many Western-cut sleeves. Sleeves are not cuffed, just hemmed and decorated.

The front and back pieces of a simple kurta are also rectangular. The side seams are left open for 6-12 inches above the hem, which gives the wearer some ease of movement.

The kurta usually opens in the front; some styles, however, button at the shoulder seam. The front opening is often a hemmed slit in the fabric, tied or buttoned at the top; some kurtas, however, have plackets rather than slits. The opening may be centered on the chest, or positioned off center.

A traditional kurta does not have a collar. Modern variants may feature stand-up collars of the type known to tailors and seamstresses as "mandarin" collars. These are the same sort of collars seen on achkans, sherwanis, and Nehru jackets.

Material : Kurtas worn in the summer months are usually made of thin silk or cotton fabrics; winter season kurtas are made of thicker fabric such as wool (as in Kashmiri kurtas) or Khadi silk, a thick, coarse, handspun and handwoven silk that may be mixed with other fibers.

Kurtas are typically fastened with tasseled ties, cloth balls and loops, or buttons. Ready-made kurtas often avoid the use of horn buttons, in deference to Hindu sentiments; such buttons are frequently made from cow or buffalo hooves or horns. Buttons are often wood or plastic. Kurtas worn on formal occasions might feature decorative metal buttons, which are not sewn to the fabric, but, like cufflinks, are fastened into the cloth when needed. Such buttons can be decorated with jewels, enameling, and other traditional jewelers' techniques.

Decoration : South Asian tailors command a vast repertoire of methods, traditional and modern, for decorating fabric. It is likely that all of them have been used, at one time or another, to decorate kurtas. However, the most common decoration is embroidery. Many light summer kurtas feature Chikan embroidery, a speciality of Lucknow, around the hems and front opening. This embroidery is typically executed on light, semi-transparent fabric in a matching thread. The effect is ornate but subtle.

Bindis: What You Need to Know:The bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating of all forms of body decoration. Hindus attach great importance to this ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. Also loosely known as 'tika', 'pottu', 'sindoor', 'tilak', 'tilakam', and 'kumkum', a bindi is usually a small or a big eye-catching round mark made on the forehead as adornment.

How to Apply:Traditional bindi is red or maroon in color. A pinch of vermilion powder applied skillfully with practiced fingertip make the perfect red dot. Women who are not nimble-fingered take great pains to get the perfect round. They use small circular discs or hollow pie coin as aid. First they apply a sticky wax paste on the empty space in the disc. This is then covered with kumkum or vermilion and then the disc is removed to get a perfect round bindi. Sandal, 'aguru', 'kasturi', 'kumkum' (made of red turmeric) and 'sindoor' (made of zinc oxide and dye) make this special red dot. Saffron ground together with 'kusumba' flower can also create the magic!

Fashion Point:Nowadays, with changing fashion, women try out all sorts of shapes and designs. It is, at times a straight vertical line or an oval, a triangle or miniature artistry ('alpana') made with a fine-tipped stick, dusted with gold and silver powder, studded with beads and crusted with glittering stones. The advent of the sticker-bindi made of felt with glue on one side, has not only added colors, shapes and sizes to the bindi but is an ingenious easy-to-use alternative to the powder. Today, bindi is more of a fashion statement than anything else, and the number of young performers sporting bindis is overwhelming even — in the West.Visit My eBay Store

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Pond's Age Miracle, the anti ageing line with breakthrough technology, is bringing about miracles in countries across Asia with its promise of visible reduction in wrinkles and age spots in just seven days*. Its latest campaign in India the "7 day challenge with Money back guarantee" invites consumers to select Pond's counters throughout the country to buy the Pond's Age Miracle day cream (50ml).Consumers can try the product and if unsatisfied with the results then they can return the cream and get their money back**.

The 7 day challenge campaign with money back was kicked off in all the major metros on 1st September and is valid till 20th Oct. The offer is supported by a massive multi media campaign aimed at reaching women across different markets.

In the anti ageing market category, this 7 day challenge campaign is a truly unique offering from Ponds age miracle, something that has never been done before. It underscores the strong belief that Ponds has in its revolutionary anti ageing line to deliver effective results for the Indian woman.

The power ingredient behind Pond's age miracle is CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid - a natural, non-irritant first discovered by Pond's in 1996. For the past 9 years, this wonder ingredient was intensively researched by Ponds Institute, to make it suitable for Asian skin. CLA helps reverse the signs of aging by stimulating the production of skin repair from deep within the layers of the skin. It is the key that opens the door to younger, radiant and more youthful-looking skin in 7 days* .

In short, CLA kick starts the skin to become active again and repairs skin where the core aging processes have occurred. CLA helps reduce the appearance of age spots, outer cells are rejuvenated whilst the renewal rate of new baby skin cells increases. It also combats fine lines and deep-seated wrinkles and the support network to skin provided by collagen, decorin and elastin are enhanced, providing a better cushion for the skin's surface.

Pond's age miracle has been specially formulated for Asian skin and it is effective in rejuvenating from deep within the layers of skin to bring newer, fresher cells to the skin's surface, resulting in a younger and smoother complexion.

To know more about the offer, they can also SMS "7" to 54555 or call the Ponds helpline at 1800220140, where Pond's helpline agents will attend to their queries.

Take the Pond's Age Miracle Challenge. See the difference!

*based on a chromameter reading and photo self assessment against untreated skin in a clinical test

**conditions apply

About Pond's:

Pond's is a global face care expert that has a presence in over 50 countries including Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Korea), Japan and the US - making it a skin care brand to reckon with. The brand boasts of state-of-the-art R&D facilities led from Ponds Institutes at New York, Tokyo and Madrid, helping it create international beauty solutions for the discerning woman. The Pond's philosophy is based on the application of leading-edge technology to face care, and giving customized solutions for different skin care needs. By combining this with an intimate understanding of the woman's skin care needs and requirements, Pond's delivers results women can see and feel.

About Hindustan UniLever Limited:

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company, touching the lives of two out of three Indians. HUL's mission is to "add vitality to life" through its presence in over 20 distinct categories in Home & Personal Care Products and Foods & Beverages. The company meets everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene, and personal care, with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life.

Source: Hindustan Lever Ltd (Business Wire India)

Source: Business Wire India

About Lungi

The lungi Bengali is a garment worn around the waist in India , Bangladesh , Sri Lanka , and Myanmar (formerly Burma). While its origin is found in South Indian culture, it is worn by diverse communities across Southern Asia .

The standard adult lungi is 115cm in height and 200cm in length, when open. It is normally woven from cotton in a variety of designs and colors. The most common styles are either solid-colored or plaid , partly since these patterns are cheaper to produce with a loom. Blue is a particularly popular, since it fades to pleasant tones in contrast to other colors. Regardless of the design or color, lungis are often lined at the top and bottom with a black/white stripe containing a heat-sealing resin to prevent fraying. Unlike dhotis , which are linear like sheets, lungis are sewn into a tube shape like a skirt. Depending on local tradition, lungis can be worn by men and/or women, are tied or fastened in various ways, and can be used in different cultural activities, ranging from normal daily life to elaborate wedding ceremonies. For daily purposes, a simple double knot is most popular, since it is least likely to slip or come undone. The lungi is thought to be quite comfortable, as its length can be adjusted rather easily. It is particularly popular in regions where the heat and humidity create an unpleasant climate for trousers

Bangladesh and West Bengal The lungi is the most commonly-seen dress of Bangladeshi men, although it is not normally worn on formal occasions. In Bangladesh, lungis are worn by most men on a daily basis, although elaborately-designed cotton , batik , or silk lungis are also often presented as wedding gifts to the groom. In Bangladesh, the lungi industry is concentrated in Khulna , and leading brands include ATM, Smart, and Alphabet Textiles. Bengali women do not traditionally wear lungis, although non-Bengali tribal women do wear similar garments in some parts of southeastern Bangladesh . In neighboring West Bengal , the lungi is fast replacing the dhoti as the most popular men's garment for everyday wear. Some Bengali men avoid wearing the lungi, considering it to be too informal or inappropriate, despite the fact that it is both ubiquitous and comfortable. Despite the fact that the usage of lungi is declining slowly, it is still the most common male attire in rural Bangladesh.

South India In Kerala the lungi, locally known as Kaili or Kalli Mundu, is worn by both men and women. It is considered a casual dress or working dress of physical labourers. Lungis are generally colourful, and with varying designs. The plain white version of a lungi is known as a mundu . For more ceremonial occasions (like weddings), mundus often bear a golden embroidery known as kasavu. Lungis are not used during occasions such as weddings or other religious ceremonies. Saffron-coloured mundus are also known as kaavi mundu.

Coloured lungi is called Munda in central Karnataka. Plain white double folded cloth similar to lungi is called a panche. Panche as opposed to lungi is worn during formal ceremonies. These are also used in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Lungis also comes in two types: Open Lungi, which is basically a piece of cloth wrapped around, and Closed Lungi, which is stitched to form a sort of a 'tube'. In Kerala open lungi is more popular.

Kerala men folk generally tuck up their mundus or lungis. The bottom of the garment is pulled up and tied back on to the waist. This would make the mundu or lungi only cover the body from the waist to the knees. In this fashion it somewhat resembles a kilt , but without pleats.

Tamil Nadu only the men wear this garment, and the usage is similar to Kerala's. It is also known as Kaili or Chaaram in South Tamilnadu.

Myanmar In Myanmar , the lungi is called longyi in Burmese. For men, the lungi is known as a paso, and for women, it is known as a htamain. Lungis of different fabrics, including cotton and silk, are worn for informal and formal occas

Yemen In Yemen , the garment is called a Ma'awiis and is worn by males of all ages.

Somalia In Somalia , the Hoosgunti is a fixture amongst males. It however is associated more with elder males who wear it with a kuufi baraawe, but is commonly worn by many Somalis while relaxing at home. The traditional colour is plain white, but because of Asian influence and location of Somalia on the Spice Route , colourful Asian-style lunghis have been introduced to the country.

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About Dhoti

The most ancient recorded Indian drape (excluding the Harrapa civilisation) is a dhoti. Although Buddha is shown wearing a large mantle, his lay followers, such as Ashoka and the men and women represented on the stupa of Bharhut, wore elaborately pleated dhotis. Nowadays, dhotis are still worn by men all over India. They require a piece of cloth which seems longer and larger than what was worn in the past, but their pleating is often simpler, and they are not adorned with belts anymore.

All dhotis begin with the same basic closing. It is the only drape that doesn't start from one pallav (end of the sari), but from the centre of the upper border. The middle of the cloth is tied around the hips. Each end of the cloth is then draped around the leg on its side.

The dhoti, called Laacha in Punjabi, mundu in Malayalam, dhuti in Bangla, veshti in Tamil, pancha in Telugu, dhotar in Marathi and panche in Kannada, is the traditional garment of men's wear in India. It is a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth, usually around 5 yards long, wrapped about the waist and the legs, and knotted at the waist.

In northern India, the garment is worn with a Kurta on top, the combination known simply as "dhoti kurta", or a "dhuti panjabi" in the East. In southern India, it is worn with an angavastram (another unstitched cloth draped over the shoulders) or else with a "chokka"(shirt) or "jubba"(a local version of kurta). The lungi is a similar piece of cloth worn in similar manner, though only on informal occasions.

Custom and usage

The dhoti is considered formal wear all over the country. It is eminently acceptable wherever "formal wear" is bespoken or enjoined in India. Apart from all government and traditional family functions, the dhoti is also deemed acceptable at posh country clubs and at other establishments that enforce strict formal dress codes. The garment enjoys a similar, eminent status across the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. In many of these countries, the garment has become something of a mascot of cultural assertion, being greatly favoured by politicians and cultural icons such as classical musicians, poets and literatteurs. Thus, the dhoti for many has taken on a more cultural nuance while the 'suit-and-tie' or, in less formal occasions, the ubiquitous shirt and pants, are seen as standard formal and semi-formal wear.

In southern India, the garment is worn at all cultural occasions and traditional ceremonies. The bride-groom in a south Indian wedding and the host/main male participant of other rituals and ceremonies have necessarily to be dressed in the traditional pancha while performing the ceremonies. Many of the more important temples in southern India demand that males entering the precincts of the temple be dressed formally in veshti and angavastram.(??)

Unspoken rules of etiquette govern the way the pancha is worn. In south India, men will occasionally fold the garment in half to resemble a short skirt when working, cycling, etc., and this reveals the legs from the knee downwards. However, it is considered disrespectful to speak to men or to one's social inferiors with the dhoti folded up in this manner. When faced with such a social situation, the fold of the package is loosened with an imperceptible yank of the hand and allowed to cover the legs completely.

Dhotis are worn by western adherents of the Hare Krishna movement, which is known for promoting a distinctive dress code amongst its practitioners, with followers wearing saffron or white coloured cloth, folded in the traditional style. Mahatma Gandhi invariably wore a pancha on public occasions[citation needed], but he was well aware that it was considered "indecent" in other countries and was shocked when a friend wore one in London. (See The Story of My Experiments with Truth/Part I/Narayan Hemchandra.)

The genteel Bengali man is stereotyped in popular culture as wearing expensive perfumes, a light panjabi and an elaborate dhuti with rich pleats ,the front corner of the cloth being stiffed like a japanese fan and holding it in his hand; whilst feverishly discussing politics and literature. It is considered the most elegant costume and is wore on bengali weddings and cultural festivals.

Over the past century or more, western styles of clothing have been steadily gaining ground in the region, gradually rendering the pancha a garment for home-wear, not generally worn to work. It is less popular among the youth in major metropolises and is viewed as rustic, unfashionable and not 'hip' enough for the younger age-set. However, use of the dhoti as a garment of daily use and homewear continues largely unabated.

Dhoti's are worn everday in the Rajput caste, and it is a disgrace to talk to a Rajput without wearing a dhoti.

Styles and varieties

The garment is known as the veshti in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is called pancha in Andhra Pradesh and panche in Karnataka and dhuti in bengal. The word is related to the Sanskrit "pancha" meaning "five"; this may be a reference either to the fact that a 5-yard-long strip of cloth is used.It is also related to the sanskrit word 'dhuvati' .In one elaborate south Indian style of draping the garment, five knots are used to wrap the garment, and this also is sometimes held to have originated the word.

It is usually white or cream in colour, although colourful hues are used for specific religious occasions or sometimes to create more vivid ensembles. Off- white dhuti is generally worn by the groom in bengali weddings.White or turmeric-yellow is the prescribed hues to be worn by men at their weddings and upanayanams. Silk panchas, called Magatam or Pattu Pancha in south Indiapossibly Tamil Nadu, and Andhra respectively, are often used on these special occasions. Vermilion-red dhotis, called 'sowlay', is often used by priests at temples, especially in Maharashtra. Kings and poets used rich colors and elaborate gold-thread embroideries. Cotton dhotis suit the climatic conditions for daily usage. Silk panchass are suited for special occasions and are expensive.

There are several different ways of draping the panchas. The two most popular ones in south india are the plain wrap and the Pancha katcham(possibly in Tamil Nadu)or (five knots or five folds). The first style is mostly seen in south India as shown in picture. It is a simple wrap around the waist and resembles a long skirt. It will be folded in half up to knees while working. Second style is folding around the waist in the middle of the garment and tying the top ends in the front like a belt and tucking the falling left and right ends in the back.

Along with dhoti, the angavastram (an extra piece of cloth) will be draped depending on the usage. Farmers carry it on one shoulder and treat it as sweat towel. Bride grooms use it as entire upper garment. It will be folded decoratively around the waist while dancing. Priests wrap about the waist as the extra layer.

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Bharata-Natyam is one of the most important and perfect among the eight Indian classical styles of dance. It is practised throughout the South of India, and particularly in the Tanjavur region. Bharata- Natyam is the most faithful style in relation to the rules enunciated in the "Natya Shastra", which is a treatise about drama, dance and music written around 2'000 years ago by the sage Bharata Muni. One has only to observe the thousands of sculptures of the temples to note the similitude of the attitudes of the dancers in stone and that of dances of today. Indian dance is above all religious and, in the past, was performed strictly in the temples by the "devadasis", female dancers who were attached to the temple hereditarily and dedicated to the God since childhood. Bharata-Natyam has disappeared from the temples and is now performed on the stage. In the past a dance offering was a part of the daily ritual and was the most important act of devotion, as is explained in the Indian sacred books : "no prayer, no offering is more agreeable to God".

Today Bharata Natyam is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over India. Due to its wide range of movements and postures and the balanced melange of the rhythmic and mimetic aspects lends itself well to experimental and fusion choreography. Degree and Post Graduate courses covering the practice and theory of Bharata Natyam as well as the languages associated with its development are available at major universities of India.

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Sungudi Saree is a famous produce in Chinnalapatti at Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is a good supplement for the more expensive silk sarees. It is worn by women mostly during marriages.

The Sungudi Saree features designs made using ‘batik’ prints. The borders and ‘pallu,’ the falling edge of a saree, are adorned with ‘zari’ embroidery. The patterns are bold, made with a single color.

Sungudi block prints are made from block print and resist dying on very high quality cotton cloth, that is the staple dress of village women all over India.

A hand-woven cotton garment typically worn by South Indian women originates in Chinnalapatti at Madurai, the home of Goddess Meenakshi. The sungudi saree is made of pure cotton in bright colors with contrasting borders in gold "zari or jarigai". The distinguishing feature of this type of saree is that it has a Bandhini like print throughout the body of the saree. This handiwork was brought to Southern India by the Sourashtrians from western India (Gujarat mainly), a major migrant population living in Madurai. It is light wieght and pretty and reasonably priced making it a staple garment in every South Indian woman's wardrobe