Come September and parts of India will be engulfed in Navratri celebrations. But Bengalis, both native and migrant, will be thronging to pandals to celebrate Durga puja with their loved ones.  The biggest festival in West Bengal and the biggest cultural extravaganza for Bengalis, Durga puja is also the time to make a seriously impressive festive fashion statement.

 

Even as we write this, Bengalis all over the country are already on a shopping spree, stocking up their wardrobes with the popular Durga puja fashion picks. It being a community festival, everyone’s dressed to the nines. Festivities include social visits, pandal hopping, ceremonies at home, eating out and you need to be looking your fabulous best for each of these occasions.

 

When it comes to fashion choices, most Bengali women opt for traditional wear during the 4 day celebration. The on-screen depiction of Durga Puja will have any non-Bengali believe that white taant or garad sarees with deep red border is the only Bengali fashion staple during the festival. But Bengali women actually have a multitude of fashion choices to pick from.

 

If you are looking for an expert lowdown on Durga puja fashion, you have come to the right place. Remember, Durga puja is the worship of women’s power and femininity so channel your inner goddess and get ready to celebrate with grace and confidence. 

 

 

 

 

Saptami:

 

One of the four days of maximum gaiety and celebrations, Saptami is the 7^th day of the 10-day ceremony. A general rule of thumb for Durga puja fashion is that Mornings are for neutral shades and minimal accessories, focusing mostly on the enjoyment and bonhomie at the pandals.

 

Start your fashion journey with a floor-grazing Anarkalii  suit in the morning with light embellishments, in cool pastel shades of pink, green and blue for morning ceremonies. Round off your look with chunky oxidized jewellery and keep your makeup light with some kohl and lipstick. 

 

Saptami evenings are reserved for celebrations and fanfare galore and your outfit should reflect that spirit. Up your traditional fashion game by wearing a stunning Kancheepuram silk saree in jewel tones. Pair it with a statement neckpiece and ear danglers with minimal makeup-highlight your eyes with kohl and mascara and contrast it with lip gloss in bright shades. Complete the look with your hair tied up into a messy bun with a gajra and an embellished potli or clutch. 

 

Ashtami:

 

Ashtami mornings begin with the customary Pushpanjali or flower offerings to the goddess. Because Ashtami is considered the most auspicious occasion, you have to bring some serious style game on for your Puja outings.

 

For the Pushpanjali, embrace your femininity in a south pure silk saree in vibrant shades befitting the occasion. Keep accessories to a minimum with only a simple bracelet and earrings. Leave your hair open or make it into a messy chignon and adorn it with ornamental clips or a simple gajra of fresh flowers and you’re all set to redefine understated elegance. 

 

While you can never go wrong with a simple saree, you can also opt for a salwar kameez look or the ceremony. Choose one in beautiful soft shades and be impeccably turned out. 

 

Ashtami evening is an occasion to indulge in no-holds-barred fashion experiments. Because it’s puja, there’s no denying the power of opulent sarees, knockout jewelleries and stunning makeup to go all-out glam. Partake in the evening Shandhi puja in a quintessential Indian wardrobe classic like a tussar silk saree in deep, rich hues or other handloom sarees such as a Kancheepuram silk saree or a pure silk crepe or georgette saree. Choose ornate embroideries and sequins, zari and other rich embellishments for your outfits to look even more resplendent. Opt for a fresh-faced makeup with dramatic eyes and bright, bold lips to complement your elaborate ensemble. Experiment with ear danglers or chunky earrings, bold statement necklaces and even unconventional twists such as a nathni or other forms of the traditional nosepin.  

 

Nabami:

 

Just like Ashtami, even Nabami is an opportunity to dress up in the most gorgeous traditional outfits. Keep your morning look subtle yet elegant with a pure silk crepe or georgette saree in soothing pastel shades. You can even ditch the saree for once and opt for a salwar kameez. 

 

For your evening celebrations, make a statement with bolder and more elaborate outfit. We have in mind the perfect tussar silk sarees with rich embellishments, cutworks and designs in extremely eye-catching shades. Choose deeper shades such as purple, bold red or deep brown for darker complexion and lighter shades of peach, cream or saffron for lighter skin tone. If you’re in the mood for some serious pandal-hopping, you can even try out pure silk georgette salwar kameez or pure silk anarkali suits. Nabami evening is the occasion to make some extra efforts & in turn, make heads turn with your stellar looks so stock up on these festive wardrobe essentials now. 

 

 

 

 

Dashami:

 

The last day, the end of puja does not signal an end to your Durga puja fashion saga. On Dashami morning, participate in the sindoor-smearing ceremony in a traditional white taant or Ikkat saree with red border. 

 

Make one last extra effort on your evening look and don a pure tussar silk saree or an anarkali suit in your favourite subtle or bold shades. Have statement earrings and bejewelled necklaces complete your look with bold and dramatic makeup and bid a triumphant, euphoric farewell to the goddess.

 

For all devotees of Goddess Durga, the puja is a celebration of their own inner divine femininity and their individualistic style. Our Durga puja style guide is an attempt to deconstruct puja fashion and help you be in touch with your inner goddess. Share your style ideas and feedback with us and wait for our next exciting update.