Take Eid-shopping for example: during the 70s, 80s and the earlier part of 90s, a youngster would be pleased with a set of new clothes, two would be exhilarating. Not anymore; today's kids from middle class families and beyond often flaunt three/four, if not more, different sets of new clothes on Eid. Shopping places mushrooming in almost every neighbourhood make sure the amplified consumer needs are met. The amount one used to spend on clothes have gone up significantly as well.

Much has changed in fashion as well. Now there are fashion shows to display the Eid-collections. Besides kurtas, shirts and t-shirts, men are wearing fatuas and short kurtas. According to a noted designer, "Some men even sport glittery attires that might have been considered objects of ridicule 10 years ago. Men's fatuas, kurtas and shirts now even include strings that were only prevalent in women's clothing. The necklines have gone through changes as well. Besides the traditional round collar, now there are band collar and v-neck. Some kurtas now feature the regular shirt collars. Then there are accessories. Men now wear jewellery made of shells, terracotta and bones."

Not just clothes, urban men are becoming increasingly conscious about their visage and hair. Facials, massages and grooming are not just for women any more. Just check out the long line at Habib's Persona. It is truly "the age of metrosexuals".

What are women wearing? Fortunately, still sarees and shalwar kamizes, but they have gone through their share of changes too. A lot of women are now going for the expensive, garish "Hindi TV serials" influenced costumes. Young girls are going for lahengas nowadays. Our traditional clothing has had a metamorphosis as well. The array of men's and women's wear using the local materials -- silk, endi, khadi and others is impressive and can compete with their foreign counterparts any day. Noted designers like Bibi Russel, are experimenting with traditional Jamdani and other materials made by our weavers.

Besides sarees and shalwar kamizes, long skirts and shirts have been modified to satisfy the "desi" taste. Skirts now display ethnic designs including appliqué, batik, sequin, kantha stich etc.

Mehdi (henna) is not a household issue any more. Mehdi designs have become more intricate and in some cases they've extended all the way to the elbow, often on both sides. And why should the feet feel ignored? More women are now taking the time to decorate their feet with mehdi designs. Then there's hair care, facials, manicure and pedicure. The overcrowded beauty parlors and salons prior to Eid, try to accommodate women -- young and young at heart -- with their beautifying needs.

If you think that's "plenty", just take a gander at the TV channels. An Eid-special Anandomela, Ittyadi or Jobbor Ali is not enough any more. The three-day Eid-special extravaganza has been extended to a week-long shindig. So many TV plays, musical programmes, variety shows...one has a tough time with his or her "channel-clicker".

So, is this a positive change or are we just becoming a part of the global commercialising flow?