Five days, five moods: Dressing for Durga Puja
From soft pastels on Shashthi to classic white-and-red on Dashami, dressing for Puja is about finding the right balance between festive style, personal flair and staying comfortable outdoors
Every year, Devi Durga's arrival at her mortal abode brings happiness, prosperity and blessings to her devotees. Durga Puja is one of the largest festivals of Bengal. During these few days, Bangladesh comes alive with colourful puja mandaps, food, fairs, the fragrance of dhoop and the beats of the dhak that make every Bengali heart dance.
The last five days of Puja, in particular, are all about pandal-hopping, anjali and adda, then Vijayadashami.
And then comes the wardrobe question.
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What are you wearing for Saptami? Should Ashtami be the traditional saree day? Is there room for an anarkali on Navami? And, most importantly, how do you look festive when Bangladesh's late-autumn warmth makes spending hours outdoors a very real challenge?
For many women, the Puja wardrobe begins with a Pinterest board. Bonolota is already there, saving sarees, anarkalis, jewellery combinations and hair ideas, trying to imagine a different look for each day.
But dressing for Puja does not necessarily mean five new outfits. It is more about knowing what to bring out on each day: a softer colour here, a statement blouse there, flowers in the hair, a favourite pair of earrings or simply a different way of wearing something already in the wardrobe.
Shashthi: Start soft
For many, Shashthi is a day of visiting family pujas, meeting relatives, catching up with loved ones and enjoying good food. So the look can be festive but easy.
Pastel shades work well here. Soft pink, powder blue, mint green, lavender, peach or butter yellow can bring a fresh feel. A light cotton saree, kurta or simple fusion outfit can be paired with delicate jewellery, soft makeup and a touch of kajal.
Comfortable footwear is especially important, as the day can involve plenty of walking.
"Bangles, flowers in the hair or hand and hair accessories can instantly give a more traditional and festive feel," said Sabria Azad, owner of Taysha.
The right colour can also make a difference in photographs. Pastels and other bright, cheerful shades can stand out beautifully against colourful Puja decorations, making photographs with family and friends look brighter.
For men, a light cotton Panjabi in white, cream, pastel or another soft shade can work well with neutral trousers and comfortable footwear.
Saptami: Add some colour
By Saptami, the festive mood is stronger. This is the time to bring in prints, textures and brighter colours.
Women can move from pastels to mustard, orange, green or blue, or to a printed saree. A simple saree can look completely different with a statement blouse, earrings or a colourful bindi.
Men can try a printed or textured shirt with solid trousers, or a short Panjabi with relaxed trousers. A scarf or stole can add a festive layer without making the outfit heavy.
"Men's fashion is no longer limited to the conventional Panjabi. Young men want festive, versatile and comfortable outfits," said Biplob Saha, owner and fashion designer of Bishworang.
His Puja collection combines traditional detailing with modern cuts and includes Panjabis, shirts, fusion tops, trousers and coordinated separates.
Twinning is another easy option. Friends, siblings or couples can coordinate through colours or prints without wearing identical outfits.
Ashtami: Bring out the classics
Ashtami is the day for a stronger festive look. No colour represents Durga Puja like the combination of white and red. A white or off-white saree with a red border remains a classic. But women do not have to stop there. Mustard yellow, marigold orange, bottle green, royal blue and deep maroon can also create rich festive looks.
A traditional saree can be paired with a designer blouse, signature earrings or a different drape. Flowers, bangles and hair accessories can add another layer of tradition.
For men, Ashtami is a good time for a classic Panjabi in white, cream, red or maroon. Threadwork, embroidery or traditional motifs can add detail. A dhoti-Panjabi can also bring a distinctly Bengali touch.
For those who prefer something modern, a well-cut fusion top or Panjabi with tailored trousers can keep the look festive but modern.
Navami: Make it your own
By Navami, there is no need to follow a fixed formula. This is the day to let personal style take over.
Women can mix traditional and contemporary pieces. A saree with a modern blouse, a kurta with statement jewellery or a simple outfit with flowers and a new hairstyle can create a fresh look.
Men can pair a contemporary Panjabi or fusion top with tailored trousers. A structured shirt with ethnic detailing can also work.
"You don't need a new outfit every day. A few well-selected pieces can create multiple looks," Saha said.
He suggests mixing and matching Panjabis, shirts, trousers and traditional pieces throughout Puja. Changing footwear, scarves, colours or accessories can give the same outfit a different mood.
The same idea works for women too. Changing the blouse, jewellery, hairstyle or makeup can make an outfit feel completely different.
Dashami: Keep it simple
Dashami brings the celebrations to a close. For Sindoor Khela, the classic white-and-red combination naturally takes centre stage.
A white saree with a red border, a red blouse or simple red accessories can create a graceful look. Men can keep things simple with a white or off-white Panjabi and a red or festive accent.
After several days of walking and spending time outdoors, comfort becomes even more important. Cotton, linen and lightweight blends are better suited to the warm and humid weather than heavy synthetic fabrics.
"Puja fashion should allow you to move, walk, socialise and enjoy comfortably," Saha added. He recommends lightweight Panjabis and comfortable trousers for daytime, while richer colours and details can be reserved for the evening.
Keep the makeup fresh
Puja makeup does not have to be heavy to look festive.
"For a fresh look, a tinted moisturiser with tinted blush, waterproof mascara and a bold lip liner can give an effortless yet festive glam," said Pinky Peya, director and partner at Studio Ombré.
For long hours of pandal-hopping, she suggests keeping a portable fan, blotting papers and face mist in the bag. "A portable fan is a must. Blotting papers help remove excess oil, while a face mist keeps the skin hydrated," she said.
Makeup can also change with the schedule. "If it's a hectic day with back-to-back events, go for lighter, breathable makeup," Peya added. A shorter day, on the other hand, leaves room for a more dramatic look.
Peya also stresses the importance of skin preparation. "I would recommend getting a facial about a week before Puja to exfoliate dead skin and bring out a natural glow. Makeup looks flawless when the skin is in good condition. On the day, keep the base light with a water-based foundation, add cream blush, smudged kajal and mascara, and finish with a nude-brown or pink lipstick and setting spray."
Puja fashion does not mean having a completely new outfit for every day.
A simple saree can look different with another blouse. A Panjabi can be paired with different trousers. A change of jewellery, flowers, footwear or hairstyle can create a new mood.
As Saha puts it, "Puja is about culture, creativity and togetherness." Fashion, too, can reflect that spirit without losing comfort.
And while clothes matter, the best Puja look is one that allows you to enjoy the day. Walk comfortably, eat freely, take endless photographs and stay out as long as you want.
