Symbolism of Prints: Elephant, Floral & Fish Sarees for Ashtami Celebrations

Durga Ashtami is more than just a date on the calendar – it is a day that celebrates strength, grace, and divine energy. It is a day where tradition meets joy, where women step into their power, adorned in beautiful festive sarees that reflect who they are. At Chhapa, we believe that the saree you wear should speak your language — of heritage, of craft, and of meaning. This Ashtami, let’s go beyond “what to wear” and explore the why behind what we choose.

Our block printed sarees – whether a chanderi saree, mul cotton saree, linen cotton saree, kota doria saree, or maheshwari saree – carry deeper stories through their prints. Among them, elephant, floral, and fish motifs stand out as timeless designs that add layers of symbolism to your festive look.

🐘 Elephant Print Sarees: Wisdom & Stability for Ashtami

Elephants have long been associated with wisdom, strength, and grounded energy — qualities that resonate perfectly with Durga Ashtami’s essence. When you wear an elephant print saree, you are invoking the symbolism of stability, protection, and good fortune.

• Style Tip: Pair a lightweight kota doria saree with an elephant motif with silver jhumkas and an open bun for your morning Ashtami rituals.
  

• Modern Hack: Wear your saree with a cotton top for women (instead of a blouse) for a fusion look that’s perfect for brunch after the puja.
  

• Why Chhapa: Every elephant block in Chhapa sarees is carved by hand, making each impression slightly unique — a reminder to embrace imperfection and celebrate individuality.
  

🌸 Floral Prints: Joy & New Beginnings

Nothing says celebration quite like florals. In Indian tradition, flowers symbolize purity, growth, and auspicious beginnings. A floral mul cotton saree is perfect if you want to keep things light and breezy during the day, yet festive enough for evening pandal visits.

• Day Look: Pair a pastel mul cotton saree with dainty cotton stoles for a layered, relaxed vibe.
  

• Evening Look: Switch to a chanderi saree with bold floral prints and add statement earrings for a slightly dressier feel.
  

• Styling Tip: Keep your makeup fresh and dewy — think kohl-lined eyes and a bright lip that ties to the Navratri color of the day.
  

🐟 Fish Prints: Prosperity & Flow

Fish motifs have been a part of Indian textiles for centuries, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and free-flowing energy. During Ashtami, fish prints feel especially appropriate as they channel abundance and movement – perfect for festive gatherings where you are constantly on the move from puja to family meetups.

• Wear It Right: A linen cotton saree with quirky fish motifs pairs beautifully with sneakers or block heels, allowing you to move freely during Durga Puja pandal hopping.
  

• Fusion Idea: Try draping your fish print saree in a seedha pallu style for a contemporary touch that still feels rooted in tradition.
  

• Color Play: An indigo saree with fish motifs is a versatile choice – easy to accessorize with oxidized jewellery and perfect for re-wearing post-festival.
  

✨ How to Style Block Printed Sarees for Durga Ashtami

• Balance Prints with Solids: If your saree has bold motifs, keep your blouse or cotton top in a solid shade to let the print stand out.
  

• Comfort is Key: Choose fabrics that breathe — mul cotton sarees and kota doria sarees keep you cool during daytime rituals.
  

• Accessorize Thoughtfully: Pair your look with handcrafted jewellery or cotton stoles for layering.
  

• Mindful Choices: Invest in sarees you can restyle later for work or casual outings — true to Chhapa’s ethos of being a conscious fashion brand.
  

🧵 Why Chhapa Sarees Are Perfect for Festive Dressing

Every chanderi, mul cotton, linen cotton, kota doria, and maheshwari saree we create is an artwork born from block printing clothing traditions that are centuries old. The human hand leaves tiny irregularities — no two sarees are identical — making yours one-of-a-kind. This Ashtami, choose pieces that carry meaning, empower artisans, and allow you to tell a story with every drape.

🌼 Closing Thought

This Durga Ashtami, let your wardrobe mirror your spirit — strong, graceful, and rooted. Whether you choose the wisdom of elephants, the joy of florals, or the prosperity of fish motifs, remember that you’re not just dressing up for a ritual. You’re carrying forward an art form, supporting local artisans, and wearing your values proudly.

With Chhapa sarees, every motif becomes a conversation starter, every imperfection becomes a mark of authenticity, and every drape becomes a celebration of you.