Durga Puja fashion: Draped in memories, styled for today
From breathable cottons and sustainable styles to statement jewellery and fusion looks, Puja fashion this year is about looking good while staying practical for pandal hopping and rituals
With Mahalaya behind us, Debipokkho is well and truly underway. If you haven't yet set aside time for your Durga Puja shopping, you needn't panic—this is the modern age, and everything is now just a click away.
The colour red has always dominated Durga Puja festivities, a shade deeply tied to the symbolism of Durga herself. But with the Puja stretching across a number of days, there's plenty of opportunity to experiment with other colours and styles.
Durga Puja is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in Bangladesh, rooted in Bengal's cultural and religious traditions. For the young, Puja has always been a time for new clothes. In earlier generations, elders would buy outfits for younger family members.
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"Sharis and jewellery are essential for Puja. Sometimes they are newly bought, sometimes handed down by older women in the family. These days, most households try to buy at least one new outfit. If not for every day, then at least for key occasions like Ashtami or Doshami," said Adity Shantony, a researcher at BRAC.
Middle-aged and older women tend to prefer the shari, while younger women often mix in salwar-kameez, kurti-pyjama, or even fusion styles. Yet the shari retains its special place for pandal hopping, Ashtami rituals, and Dashami, when many lean towards more traditional looks.
Practicality plays a big part in clothing choices, too. "Durga Puja falls in a season that can be hot or rainy," Shantony explained.
"I usually choose cotton for comfort, but silk, georgette, and other fine fabrics are popular too, especially in cities."
Footwear is another practical concern. Pandal hopping requires hours of walking and standing, so high heels are best avoided. Flats, block heels, or walking-friendly shoes are recommended, while stilettos are usually reserved for local visits or formal gatherings.
The bag of choice is also changing. A medium-sized, neutral-coloured handbag—black or brown—works well for carrying essentials like water and tissues.
And while elaborate hairstyles may start the day, they often end up tied into a bun by nightfall. Jasmine garlands from street vendors remain a timeless way to keep the festive touch intact.
One of the most significant rituals of the festival is 'Sindur Khela' on Doshami, when traditionally married women wear red-and-white sharis. In practice, however, colour choices are now more varied, though the classic 'Gorod'(cream or white with a red border) shari is still a familiar sight in every pandal.
While ready-made clothing dominates urban markets, tailor-made outfits remain popular. Many people still enjoy visiting fabric shops, selecting laces and borders, and commissioning customised designs. This blend of ready-to-wear and bespoke fashion keeps Puja's attire diverse and personal.
Sustainable fashion is also influencing choices. Increasingly, people seek clothes that can be worn beyond the festival, focusing on quality fabrics and timeless styles. Local brands are responding, offering collections that balance tradition with practicality.
"For this Puja, I've brought in an antique gold jewellery line," said Lora Khan, owner of 6 Yards Story. "On Maha Ashtami, people usually prefer wearing one standout set to complete their look. With outfits already embellished in gold print, antique gold jewellery complements perfectly."
She added a styling tip: "If you're wearing large earrings, opt for a smaller neckpiece, and vice versa. It's the best way to balance your jewellery with your outfit."
Fashion labels are also drawing inspiration from Bangladesh's cultural heritage.
"This Puja season, we're offering a carefully curated capsule of sharis—where tradition meets modern elegance," shared Tasnim Ferdous, founder of Wearhouse.
"Every piece draws inspiration from our surroundings—nature, culture, and architecture. From Mughal wall paintings to the artistry of Puja pandal designs, we've reimagined these details into prints that feel both nostalgic and refreshing."
Crafted in digitally printed, weightless georgette, the sharis come with running blouse pieces. "The fabric is soft, airy, and light—ideal for the hot, humid weather," Ferdous explained. "It allows you to enjoy pandal hopping in comfort without compromising on style."
Importantly, she stresses that quality has been prioritised over volume. "Instead of producing endless options, we focused on designs we truly believe in—sharis that won't just be worn for Puja but can be styled again and again."
Bimurto, another fashion house, brought handwoven cotton sharis for a light, festive comfort, premium silk sarees for the grand Puja look, and exclusive embroidered sharis that bring timeless artistry to life.
"In jewellery, bold jhumkas, layered necklaces, and antique-finish bangles have been the most trending choices among our customers this season. These pieces perfectly complement both traditional and contemporary Puja looks," shared Shova Shohana, Founder & CEO, Bimurto.
Durga Puja fashion is about more than clothing. It carries a tradition, creativity, and the joy of community celebration, whether in the timeless elegance of a red-bordered shari, the comfort of cotton, or a modern fusion look.
As the sound of dhak drums fills the air and streets light up with pandals, get your comfortable shoes ready along with your nicest sharis to get ready for Puja and later visit the fairs in your area and savour those narus.
