I spent a couple of hours at Jalsa yesterday, with a friend who is looking for her bridal trousseau. I made copious notes of which stalls we liked, and which outfits we were drawn to. So you can go in and head straight to our favourite names, instead of walking around aimlessly for hours and getting exhausted needlessly. For those of you planning on visiting Jalsa today, or in the coming months, here’s your guide to the must-visits in the chaos. 

What is Jalsa?

Jalsa is one of the biggest exhibitions that takes place in New Delhi every year. Not purely a wedding exhibition, it showcases mainly trousseau finds (you’ll find limited wedding lehengas here) such as light lehengas and heavy anarkalis, as well as home decor stalls.

Why you should visit

They have designers from other cities (Mumbai, Jaipur and Kolkatta), which you wouldn’t get a chance to shop from otherwise. As well as from far off places such as Pitam Pura in Delhi. It’s convenient to have a look at so many stores in one place, and it’s great opportunity to discover new names – smaller boutiques that don’t do fashion shows but still churn out nice ensembles. While it’s a little more within budget as compared to designer-wear, JALSA is still mostly mid-range expensive.

The Must-Visit Stalls

The Out-Of-Towners

You will not get a chance to buy from here otherwise, so definitely have a look.

• Prisho by Anjuna | Kolkatta – Tiny mirror work dupattas and lehengas. Delicate work, bright colours. Liked some of their kurtas with mirror-work dupattas. Slightly expensive.
• Ruceru | Kolkatta – It comes recommended by a couple of brides. Has nice lehengas and gowns.
• Sattva | Jaipur – Pretty gota patti saris. Some nice wedding lehengas as well. Avoid the threadwork outfits here.
• Cilvana Designs | Mumbai – very…new. Contemporary…Indo-western…edgy? I don’t know how to categorize their style! Point is – I loved it, and it’s for a modern bride’s trousseau. Their raw silk anarkalis in deep green and royal blues are sophisticated. Long jackets with pants were also interesting.
• Mehvish | Mumbai – Sorbet colours. There’s an off-white corset style blouse with a light blue lehenga that we loved. Also liked their floor length anarkalis that are almost like gowns – with jaal embroidery on sleeves, in pale pinks and blues.

Pitam Pura Express

For those of you who stay too far off from Pitam Pura, don’t miss these.

• Imli – Sabysachi style anarkali replicas! That vintage floral print under a sheer anarkali you saw at India Couture Week? That bright orange suit I just pinned on Pinterest this week? That heavy gold anarkali from ICW last year? It’s all here! In the mind-blowing range of 30-40k. Of course, the quality is far below what you would get at the real Sabya, but if you’re a die-hard fan with a much lower budget, it’s worth a look.
• Ashneet Rekhi – They’ve used floral patterns in their own unique way and have an off-beat range of lighter suits. I loved one plain mint green anarkali they have here, and a fuschia pink gota patti jacket anarkali.

The Delhi-Walas

They’re in your neighbourhood.

• Zephyr | Gurgaon & Vasant Kunj – Their dabka work plain suit pieces are a addition to your trousseau
• Preeti Chandra | MG Road – pretty light lehengas around 28k-35k range. Chikan work suits around 35k
• Ragini Singhania – has nice pastel shade assymetrical plain kurtas, for every day wear or to wear to brunches.

Bonus

While you’re there, you might as well visit…

• Siddhi Meenakshi – not sure what name they have up on their stall, but if you’re looking for French-style quilts, this one has some pretty nice designs. Saw one that I loved, but it’s really expensive at INR 7,000.
• Divin-e-licious – my favourite cupcake and cake shop has set up a stall here! When you get hungry after all that walking, take a quick break with a delicious chocolate cupcake. It’s all just so yum-yum-yum!

Have you shopped from any of these boutiques? What do you think of their work?