Festivals are a time of joy, celebration, and expression. They offer a unique opportunity to break free from the routine of everyday life and involve ourselves in experiences that are rich in culture, music, art, and community.
Whether it's Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or regional celebrations like Navratri, Durga Puja, or Onam, dressing appropriately for each festival prefers the joy and meaning behind it.
But with these vibrant events comes the never-ending question: "What should I wear?"
In this blog, we'll explore how to dress for various types of festivals, make sure you're fashionably prepared for every occasion.
Understanding the Festival Type
Before you start planning your outfit, it's important to understand the nature of the festival you're attending. Different festivals have different vibes, and your attire should reflect that.
1) Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Outfit Inspiration:
Diwali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated with greatness and elegance. It's a festival where people love to flaunt their best ethnic wear.
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Diwali is all about rich textures, such as Banarasi silk, velvet, and Kanjeevaram sarees.
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If you want a modern touch, consider wearing lehenga sarees, embroidered kurtis with palazzos, or anarkalis with detailed zardozi or mirror work.
- Jewel tones like emerald green, deep maroon, royal blue, and bright red will make you stand out, especially when paired with gold or kundan jewellery.
2) Onam: The Festival of Tradition and Grace
Outfit Inspiration:
Onam is a gathering festival celebrated primarily in Kerala, and traditional attire takes center stage.
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The traditional Onam saree, also known as Kasavu saree, is a symbol of the festival.
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This saree is usually white or cream with a gold border, showing grace and simplicity. Pair it with gold jewellery and jasmine flowers in your hair to complete the traditional look.
- If you want to modernise the collection, you can go for designer Kasavu sarees with colourful borders or nice embroidery.
3) Durga Puja: The Festival of Power and Devotion
Outfit Inspiration:
Durga Puja is a celebration of power and femininity, observed with great excitement in regions like West Bengal. Traditional outfits with a touch of grand culture are preferred during this festival.
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The typical Durga Puja saree is the red and white saree, traditionally worn on Ashtami and Navami.
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You can also choose from Baluchari, Jamdani, or Tant sarees, which reflect Bengali heritage.
- Go for bold red lip colour and a large bindi to increase the traditional look. Accessories like gold jewellery and bangles are a must.
4) Ganesh Chaturthi: The Festival of New Beginnings
Outfit Inspiration:
Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant festival celebrated with devotion and brilliance across India. Outfits tend to be colourful and reflect joy and positiveness.
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For Ganesh Chaturthi, Maharashtrian women often wear nauvari sarees, which have a unique draping style.
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These sarees come in bright colours like orange, green, and yellow, often paired with traditional jewellery like nath (nose ring) and Kolhapuri jewellery.
- If you're not a fan of sarees, pick for a Paithani silk lehenga or kurta set with detailed motifs.
5) Navratri & Dandiya Nights: The Festival of Dance and Color
Outfit Inspiration:
Navratri celebrations reach from state to state, but the basic spirit of vibrancy remains. It is a nine-night festival filled with dance, joy, and devotion, so your outfit needs to be both striking and comfortable for dancing.
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The classic choice is a chaniya choli, a traditional Gujarati outfit featuring a long skirt (chaniya), a short blouse (choli), and a dupatta.
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Pick for bright colours like yellow, red, green, or orange with mirror work, bead embellishments, or bandhani patterns.
- You can accessorise with chunky silver jewellery, oxidised bangles, or earrings to complete the boho-chic look.
6) Holi: The Festival of Colors
Outfit Inspiration:
Holi is all about playful celebrations with colours and water, and comfort is essential when choosing an outfit.
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Choose comfortable cotton kurtas, palazzos, or sarees in white or pastel shades to make the colours stand out.
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Avoid heavy fabrics or embellishments since you'll be playing with colours.
- Minimal jewellery and accessories are best, as Holi is more about fun than fashion. Pair with colourful bangles and open sandals for comfort.
Conclusion
Dressing for festivals is not just about following trends; it's about celebrating the soul of each occasion with the right mix of tradition and personal style.
Whether it's the rich elegance of a Kanjeevaram saree for Diwali, the simplicity of a Kasavu saree for Onam, or the vibrant chaniya choli for Navratri, every festival offers an opportunity to showcase cultural heritage while adding a modern twist.
Remember to choose outfits that are comfortable, match the festival's mood, and allow you to enjoy the celebrations to the fullest. With the right blend of traditional attire and your unique style, you'll be ready to make a stunning impression at any festival!
