The Nod Shop29 Sep 20252 MIN

Your mom’s potlis are great, but these festive bags are better

Sequins, shells, filigree, feathers—these clutches, wristlets and handbags prove that festive accessories can be fun, too

Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor carrying a Meera Mahadevia clutch bag

Sonam Kapoor carrying a Meera Mahadevia clutch

Instagram.com/meeramahadevia

Festive fits usually orbit the clothes, but bags deserve their own place in the Diwali picture. Jewellery may sparkle, shoes may shine, but the right arm candy can seal the look in one zip (or snap!). This season, give your Bottega Knot a break, and check out the wave of homegrown labels making fun, whimsical pieces, from clutches that play well with saris to crossbodies that leave your hands free for a long night.

From sculptural metallics and half-moon pouches, festive bags this season are both playful and polished. Animal shapes and feathered pieces double up as conversation starters. If you veer towards more classic styles, the textured, stone-studded clutches are just as fun, but versatile. Some repurpose jewellery as handles, others balance beadwork with structure. Below, see our picks from homegrown bag labels worth bagging:

01

Rigel satin trapeze bag, Aisha Rao, ₹35,900

All in for embellishment? This satin trapeze bag piles on sequins, shells, and embroidery, then pulls it together with a clean outline.

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Rigel black satin trapeze bag, Aisha Rao
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02

Scarlet minivet handbag, Outhouse, ₹27,100

This feathered wristlet pairs a jade-green base with a crystal-stuffed charm and is for those who like their bags a little bit unstructured and a whole lot of fun.

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Scarlet minivet handbag, Outhouse
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03

Byzantium bag, Tarun Tahiliani, ₹51,400

For the tablescape-to-tombola crew, here’s an octagonal clutch that looks straight out of a Byzantine moodboard. Covered in multicoloured stones and topped with a detachable hand-studded crystal handle, this one’s for the OTT girls.

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04

Indian Taco clutch, Amama, ₹8,000

Did someone say tacos? This clutch woven in zari thread and suede and finished with 22K gold plating is both a snack and a playful take on luxury rolled into one.

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Indian Taco clutch, Amama
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05

Birdie clutch, Deepa Gurnani, ₹35,000

Deepa Gurnani knows a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Wear it crossbody or let it perch in your hand as a clutch.

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Birdie clutch, Deepa Gurnani
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06

Amra Hasli bag, Mortantra, ₹12,900

If a hasli necklace decided to moonlight as a bag, this would be it. A half-moon pouch in zardozi and French wire, speckled with tiny tribal idols, this is easily the most conversation-starting alternative to yet another potli.

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Amra Hasli bag, Mortantra
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07

Dil Saaz Tota bag, Torani, ₹32,500

Novelty bags are having a moment; Torani’s parrot is the festive spin. Scalloped wings, pearl trims, and tassels—this one’s built to ruffle a few feathers.

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Dil Saaz Tota bag, Torani
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08

Iyana clutch, AMPM, ₹24,950

This sleek, sculptural clutch featuring AMPM’s signature cording technique is a quiet charmer. Pair it with a sculptural lehenga, or with a tailored suit for dinner after the festivities are over. It’s a sound investment that goes with virtually anything.

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 Iyana Clutch, AMPM
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09

Couture clutch, Meera Mahadevia, price on request

With gold filigree and emerald cabochons, this clutch pulls double duty as a statement piece for Diwali and a small-talk-starter at every wedding after.

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Couture clutch, Meera Mahadevia
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