As one navigates through the countless Instagram reels celebrating Ramadan, it becomes apparent that in this age when mosques are draped in tarpaulins, farshi – a fresh fashion trend – is swaying the world around us.
Experts examining the influence of fashion during times of animosity and violence may provide deeper insights, yet one cannot afford to wait for an expert commentary on a trend. Those who browse through Instagram reels have likely observed the multitude of videos created for Ramadan. The enthusiasm for farshi pajamas and salwar (relaxed pants) is so intense it appears that all available fabric, whether at home or in stores, will soon be utilised in making farshi, leaving nothing for a skull cap.
The videos indicate that the wave of farshi – a bottom wear that touches the floor and trails as one walks – originated in Pakistan and soon gained traction in India.
In one of the reels, a woman remarked that the trend of farshi salwar has spread like the Covid-19 pandemic. Then there are videos on the ‘do’s and don’ts of farshi salwar’, such as tips on how to wear it.
Some issue a warning never to wear farshi above the ankle. Another video showed a person instructing tailors not to mix Patiala and farshi. It is emphasised that farshi should reach the ground rather than remain at the ankle. There are also tutorials on how to design the hem of farshi.
In one video, a woman records her mother’s or ammi’s reaction upon seeing farshi as well as her paternal aunt or phuppo’s response. Later on, the video shows how everyone from ammi to phuppo is captivated by the allure of farshi salwar. Everyone, men and women alike, is seen dancing wearing farshi.
There is an abundance of artistic designs at the bottom of a farshi salwar called Mohri, which features lines and square patterns. Some salwars are being crafted with heavier edges, incorporating two or three layers of fabric to ensure that at least the tips of expensive shoes are visible, as footwear is often obscured when wearing farshi. Concerns are that if the farshi trend continues to gain traction, it may impact footwear fashion, a struggle that is also depicted in videos. In certain other designs, the edges are kept thin to allow for a graceful sway and glide along the ground.
If this trend gains further traction, the Indian textile market, already facing challenges, could expand considerably, while the government may also reduce expenses related to road maintenance.
As the farshi–wallahs and farshi–wallis traverse the streets, the roads will remain clean. The courtyards and verandahs will likely have been cleaned up even before the streets.
Dare anybody express their frustration by likening farshi to a mop or broom. Instead, I suggest channeling one’s energy into recognising that, over the next decade, while the media and communal politicians exert their influence to promote tarpaulins, a movement emerged on Instagram, driven by two to four hundred individuals who have transformed the farshi salwar and pyjama into a fashion statement.
Young men who are fasting are proudly showcasing their farshi salwar, while fasting girls are demonstrating the elegance of its drape while climbing down staircases or just strolling.
In another video, a girl is playfully teased about wearing her father’s salwar for Eid, which resembled a farshi. Meanwhile, a frustrated Pakistani boy is on the lookout for the creators of farshi, asserting that it is not a salwar but rather a dhoti. Indeed, the quality of some garments suggests that the tailor may be struggling to fulfill sewing orders during Eid, resulting in hastily cut and stitched pieces handed to the fasting customers and telling them to wear whatever is available, with the promise that any imperfections will be rectified by the next Eid. In this state of helplessness, the Rozedar has embraced farshi to convey that his attire reflects contemporary fashion.
The reels suggest that the era of farshi, associated with great-grandmothers, is making a resurgence this year. In the time of Generation Z, an older period – a time when generations were not categorized as X, Y, or Z – is returning. It appears that the members of Gen Z are feeling fatigued, having exerted considerable effort to establish themselves as heroes after coining a few new words.
In a humorous reel, the character of a grandmother mocks her Gen Z granddaughter, expressing surprise over farshi making a comeback in 2025. The implication is clear: without a farshi outfit, one may struggle to form relationships or receive Eidi. Even if it costs a fortune, wearing farshi is obligatory. This has fostered an environment where farshi is once again in vogue.
However, this fashion trend should also be examined within the current political landscape. Farshi can be interpreted as a response – that your animosity does not restrain us. It signifies a refusal to allow such negativity to weigh heavily on our hearts. If the government and political climate restrict our freedom, we will forge a new way of living from within.
In times of dictatorship, even laughter is viewed as a form of resistance. Can the resurgence of farshi be understood? It also challenges the notion that seeks to control the attire of Muslim women. Young women are asserting their fashion choices, demonstrating that the desire for farshi salwar is alive and well, especially as they celebrate Eid.
Consumerism’s pace is distinct from that of politics. Nevertheless, there have been continuous efforts to label the Nehru jacket or sadri as the Modi jacket. Retail outlets selling Modi jackets were once established at airports, but they have since vanished. People quickly began to wear jackets devoid of the Modi label, opting instead for the half-sleeved kurtas traditionally worn in our villages to prevent fodder from clinging to the sleeves while feeding cows. An attempt was made to associate that kurta with Modi, but this branding has faded away, lost in the tumult of the past decade.
In a time when external attacks are being justified under the guise of Holi, with debates surrounding Ramadan inciting fear, the Muslim community is simultaneously broadening its fashion choices with confidence. It boldly asserts that attempts to view it through the lens of history and make it do the same are in vain. They refuse to confine their identity solely to the reflections of contemporary politics; they too have a right to define their own reflection.
Living the way one wants is also a form of resilience. Amidst reports of demolished homes and threats to mosques, these Instagram reels emerge as a form of creative defiance. Communal politics has made significant efforts to instill disappointment within society, attempting to plunge it into a well of despair devoid of dreams. Yet, within this context, society is cultivating its own joy and resilience from within.
The videos produced during Ramadan are not only entertaining but also challenge the restrictive laws imposed by religious institutions. Numerous jokes have emerged regarding the behaviors of some Muslims during this holy month. It is not just young Muslim men and women who are participating; even religious leaders, or Maulvis, are poking fun at the manner in which some of their peers conduct Taraweeh prayers.
Several videos display innovative approaches to announcing sehri, the pre-dawn meal. In one instance, two boys remain in bed until it is humorously declared that the one who rises for sehri will marry his beloved, prompting them to spring into action.
A series of songs have also been created, imparting lessons to those observing the fast. Some fasting individuals are ridiculed for merely adhering to the fast in name, as the focus shifted to the limited practices of sehri and iftar. Instead of expressing concern over the evolving nature of fasting, a mocking tone prevails. Hundreds of videos have surfaced, filled with comments and jokes regarding religious restrictions. For those living this social reality, these reels may seem unremarkable as Ramadan humor has existed for centuries. However, the vibrance within the Muslim community today indicates that attempts to suppress their spirit have largely been unsuccessful.
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Meanwhile, Hindu saints are expressing hateful sentiments and the Hindu society appears unable to challenge them. At present, if an individual creates an Instagram reel that mocks statements, the individual risks being imprisoned. Reels produced about Hinduism predominantly convey a sense of pride and adopt a confrontational tone towards Muslims. There seems to be a race to identify perceived traitors within the community.
Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, Hindu society has become insular as it has turned cowardly. It exhibits courage through acts against Muslims, such as vandalising their businesses, rather than addressing injustices occurring within its own ranks. When a society lacks the resolve to confront its internal wrongdoings and violence, it may exist but fails to thrive. The reels shared during Ramadan tell how the restrictions within Muslim society are being ridiculed.
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In recent Instagram reels, Muslim women have been granted a platform for self-expression during Ramadan. Some reels feature a shopkeeper ridiculing women’s weight, while others comment on the perception that women are not engaged in productive activities during fasting, instead spending their time watching drama serials from India and Pakistan.
However, one particular reel showcases a woman purchasing four outfits. When her husband inquires why she has bought so many outfits, she explains that she has bought one for the cook, one for the cleaning lady, one for the woman who washes their clothes and one for the caretaker of their children. When the husband points out that she is the only one doing those tasks and they have not hired any help, the wife responds, “That’s precisely why I bought four outfits for myself.”
This scenario can be interpreted in various ways.
Another video featuring Sohil Dancer showcases a parody aimed at women. Sohil humorously sings about the various cooking utensils used during Ramadan, highlighting the constant presence of kitchenware in their daily lives. This reflects the ongoing discussion regarding the pressures faced by women during the holy month.
Having viewed numerous videos of this nature, I concluded that they warrant thorough examination. One insight that becomes apparent is that society develops in unique ways. The experience of Ramadan has turned interesting with Instagram now, as the month is characterised by joy and laughter. Meanwhile, the discussions on Godi Media channels remain fixated on the same repetitive topics.
Therefore, I advise cultivating the habit of avoiding news channels; engaging with them means missing out on all the interesting things. Indian politics has shrouded itself in a tarpaulin, while a society draped in farshi continues to progress, driven by aspirations.
Translated from the Hindi original by Naushin Rehman.
Ravish Kumar is a senior journalist. You can find him on his YouTube channel, @ravishkumar.official.
