Festive fabrics compared
Figure 1: The same colour looks different in each fabric. Sheen is the easiest tell.
| Fabric | Feel and look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pure silk | Rich sheen, soft, keeps warmth | Puja, weddings, gifting sarees (e.g. Banarasi silk saree) |
| Cotton | Light, breathable, easy care | Day-long wear in warm weather (e.g. cotton kurta pyjama set) |
| Handloom cotton or silk | Small natural weave variations | Traditional, one-of-a-kind look |
| Linen | Crisp, cool, creases easily | Kurtas and shirts for men |
| Art silk or polyester blends | Silk-like shine, wrinkle-resistant | Lower budgets (e.g. Kanjivaram-style art silk saree) |
General guidance. Fibre content is what the garment label states.
Labels that prove what you are buying
Silk Mark: for pure silk
The Silk Mark is run by the Central Silk Board under the Ministry of Textiles. It confirms the product is 100% natural silk, sold by a registered seller. Each tag has a hologram and a unique number[R2]. It does not rate the design or workmanship, only that the silk is real.
Handloom Mark: for handwoven clothes
The Handloom Mark is run by the Textiles Committee under the Ministry of Textiles. It confirms the fabric was woven by hand, not on a power loom or in a mill[R3].
Garment label: for every piece of clothing
Even clothes sold loose (unpacked) must show these details[R4]:
- Maker or importer: name and address, plus country of origin if imported.
- Customer care: email and phone number.
- Size: S, M, L, XL and so on, plus measurements in cm.
- MRP: in rupees, including all taxes.
Online stores must show the same details on the product page.
Dussehra gift ideas by person
| For | Gift ideas |
|---|---|
| Parents and elders | Silk saree or stole, khadi kurta set, brass puja thali set |
| Spouse or partner | Handloom saree, ethnic jacket, festive kurta |
| Kids | handloom chikan kurta set, books, toys |
| Friends and colleagues | dry fruit gift pack, sweets box, home décor piece |
| Hosts you are visiting | clay diya set, candles, indoor plant |
How to choose: quick checklist
- Check the size chart in cm, not just S/M/L, as sizes differ between brands.
- Read the fibre content on the label before paying a silk price.
- For packed gifts, check the pack label for the same details listed above for clothes[R5].
- For food gifts, check the best-before date so it lasts until Diwali.
- Keep the bill and tags until the clothes are tried on, in case you need an exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a Silk Mark saree turns out not to be pure silk?
The Silk Mark Organisation of India handles complaints, gets the product tested and, if it fails, makes sure the seller compensates you.
Is "art silk" real silk?
No. Art silk is usually viscose or polyester made to look like silk. It cannot carry the Silk Mark.
Which colours are popular for Dussehra?
Many people wear bright colours like red, yellow and orange, and some follow the Navratri day colours. It is a matter of family custom, not a rule.
References
R1Department of Personnel and Training, holidays for central government offices in 2026: Dussehra, 20 October. staffnews.in
R2Silk Mark Organisation of India (Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles): what the Silk Mark guarantees, hologram tag, complaints. wikipedia.org
R3Ministry of Textiles reply in Lok Sabha on the Handloom Mark Scheme (Textiles Committee). eparlib.nic.in
R4Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Third Amendment Rules, 2022: details required on loose garments, from 1 January 2023. ssrana.in
R5Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, Rule 6: declarations on every package. consumeraffairs.nic.in
Disclosure
JioMart is a Reliance Retail platform. Linked products, including one Reliance Retail brand, are examples, not recommendations. Prices and availability may change.