The most important Hindu festival in the calendar year, Diwali, is the festival of lights and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It is symbolic of helping us remember the new beginnings every year along with everything bright and beautiful. Diwali is that one time of the year when most of us give a full shift to closets with traditional attire. Everyone in the family is just excited at the number of options that you get while dressing for festivities.
Many women are looking for the most alluring Diwali outfit ideas as the festival draws closer, so they may make a fashionable statement throughout this festive season. India celebrates Diwali as a great holiday that is filled with joy, pleasure, and delicious cuisine. Every woman wants to look her best during this time by selecting the most fashionable Diwali outfit and going to family gatherings or parties. This festival of lights, seize every opportunity to look radiant and astound everyone around you by shopping for chic Diwali clothes for the occasion. Ladies must always be informed and keep up with the most recent Diwali fashionable dresses that they can don to seem stylish, as new fashion trends emerge every wedding and festive season.
Traditional Diwali Attire
From elegant sherwanis to sarees you can light up your Diwali, the options are endless. While traditional silhouettes like lehenga, suit and saree remain the same, the composition changes with contemporary twists and aesthetics that match the modern woman’s choices. One can wear a heavily embroidered lehenga or even a saree that infuses both sophistication and cultural richness.
How Different Regions Dress for Diwali
As diverse a country as India is, the rich cultural tapestry and the way people dress for Diwali can vary significantly by region. Starting from the northern parts of the country, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, women often choose bright and vibrant traditional attire like Punjabi suits or lehengas. They may also wear Phulkari dupattas, which are known for their colorful and intricate embroidery. Lashkaraa’s latest rendition of the Punjabi suit is from the festive edit ‘Rang’. Welcoming the festivities with a sublime mix of textures and embroideries, the Hot Pink Embroidered Dhoti Style Punjabi Suit is a stunning piece of wearable art for Diwali. Another style would be the Pink and Purple Floral Printed Punjabi Suit that is hand crafted in Upada silk, paired with a satin bottom for a delicate look and a contrasting net dupatta in purple. Men commonly wear kurta pajamas or sherwanis, often with a colorful turban or safa. Traditional juttis (shoes) are an essential part of the outfit.
As we move down south, women prefer sarees, with Kanjivaram silk sarees being a popular choice. These sarees are known for their rich colors and intricate gold zari work. Men typically wear dhoti-kurta or traditional Veshti and Angavastram. South Indian men often adorn themselves with sandalwood paste and flower garlands. In West Bengal, women celebrate Diwali by wearing elegant sarees, particularly the famous Baluchari and Tant sarees. The outfits are often paired with traditional jewelry like gold bangles and necklaces. Men can be seen in dhoti-kurta or punjabi kurta with dhoti. A topor (traditional headgear) is worn during festivals and special occasions.
In states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, women favor colorful and embroidered chaniya cholis or sarees for Diwali celebrations. Bandhani and Patola sarees are popular choices. Lashkaraa’s pick would be the Orange Embroidered Brocade Lehenga or the Blue Embroidered Brocade Lehenga, marrying tradition with modernity. Men in these regions wear kurta-pajamas or dhoti-kurta. Traditional turbans are a common sight. Looking at Central India in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, women may wear colorful lehengas or sarees with intricate Bandhej (tie and dye) work. Chhattisgarhi Phulkari is also widely appreciated. As times have evolved, so has our fashion sensibility. In urban areas, especially in the major cities, contemporary fashion influences Diwali outfits. Women might opt for fusion wear, such as Indo-Western dresses and gowns, while men can be seen in modern kurta suits. Styles like the Red and Gold Embroidered Pant Set with Jacket,Light Blue Multi-Colored Embellished Crop Jacket Set and the Black and Gold Embroidered Pant Set make for gorgeous Diwali outfits.
Dressing for Different Diwali Events
As a multi-day festival with various events and rituals, one will need more than two traditional attires to get through the festivities. What you wear for Diwali can depend on the specific event or how traditional or casual you want to be. Here's a guide on how to dress for different Diwali events:
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Puja at Home: For the Diwali puja (prayer ceremony) at home, your best bet is a traditional attire like saree, salwar kameez, or lehenga. Style it with traditional jewelry to complete the look.
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Family Gatherings: Diwali is a time for family reunions. For such gatherings, you can dress in semi-formal traditional attire like anarkali suits or designer sarees, while men can go for stylish kurta-pajama sets.
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Card Parties: It’s safe to say that card parties are an integral part of the Diwali festivities. In urban areas, some people prefer to wear contemporary Indo-Western outfits like palazzo pants with a kurta. Accessories like statement earrings or a stylish stole can add a festive touch to your look.
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Special Dinner or Party: If you're attending a formal Diwali dinner or party, it’s an opportunity to dress up in your finest. Women can wear designer sarees or lehengas with intricate work, while men can opt for elaborate sherwanis.
Saree Vs Lehenga: Making the Right Diwali Choice
While the grace of a saree is unmatched, the lehenga style brings in the drama. Choosing between the two depends on personal style, comfort, and the type of celebration you’re attending. Both sarees and lehengas are stunning traditional Indian garments, however there are some factors to consider.
Sarees are known for their timeless elegance and drape beautifully to offer a sophisticated and graceful look. Their versatility extends to their comfort level which can vary from traditional saree styles to pre-draped ones. One can opt for lightweight sarees in fabrics like georgette or chiffon for an all-day wear. Lehengas on the other hand, are often associated with a more regal appearance. They consist of a skirt, blouse, and a matching or contrasting dupatta, creating a regal and grand look. They also tend to give a more youthful and celebratory vibe, making them an excellent choice for festive occasions like Diwali.
Above all, personal style plays a significant role in choosing between the two classics. If you prefer a more traditional and timeless look, a saree might be your choice. If you like to experiment and want a youthful appearance, a lehenga could be better. It would be wise to also think about the type of Diwali event you’re attending. For a formal dinner or party, a lehenga could be a showstopper. For a relaxed family gathering, a saree might be just right. To embrace the grandeur, joy and celebration of this mega festival, remember to balance comfort and tradition this Diwali.