India, Sept. 20 -- The clink of red-and-white bangles, the shimmer of gold against crisp sarees, the earthy grain of terracotta - jewellery for Durga Puja is not just an accessory, it is a ritual. Each piece worn during the festivities is a prayer in metal, stone or clay, carrying stories of faith, heritage and the women who wore them before. This year, as the air fills with the rhythm of dhak, the look is a fusion of old and new.

No Puja ensemble is complete without the sacred Shakha Pola, the red-and-white conch shell bangles that mark marital bliss and prosperity. "They are worn with reverence as a symbol of cultural identity," notes fashion stylist-designer Romaa Agarwal. Paired with the classic red-and-white saree, they remain the m...