Durga Puja 2026 Outfit Ideas — What to Wear Each Day
Durga Puja 2026 runs alongside Navratri from October 2 to October 11, with the main celebrations on Saptami (Oct 7), Ashtami (Oct 8), Navami (Oct 9), and Dashami (Oct 10). If you're celebrating Durga Puja — whether in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, or anywhere else — here is your complete outfit and colour guide for each day.
Durga Puja 2026 Dates
- Mahalaya: September 25, 2026
- Shashthi (Day 1): October 6, 2026
- Saptami (Day 2): October 7, 2026
- Ashtami (Day 3): October 8, 2026
- Navami (Day 4): October 9, 2026
- Dashami / Vijaya Dashami (Day 5): October 10, 2026
Durga Puja Dress Code — What Colour to Wear Each Day
Shashthi — October 6: White
Shashthi marks the arrival of Maa Durga. White is the traditional colour for the day. A white handwork shirt or white chanderi kurta is the most elegant choice — the embroidery or handwork adds visual interest without breaking the white dress code. Pair with silver jewellery.
Saptami — October 7: Blue or Orange
Saptami sees the pandals at their most beautiful. The traditional colour is blue or orange depending on the region. A deep royal blue or a bright orange outfit works for pandal hopping. This is typically one of the biggest outfit days of Durga Puja — invest in something well-made.
Ashtami — October 8: Red
Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja — Sandhi Puja happens at the junction of Ashtami and Navami. Red is the traditional colour. A deep red handcrafted shirt, kurta, or co-ord set is exactly right. Red with gold jewellery is the classic Durga Puja Ashtami look.
Navami — October 9: Purple or Green
Navami is the last full day of celebration before Dashami. Purple or green are traditional colours. This is often when women wear their most striking outfit of the puja — a well-made purple or bottle green handcrafted piece with gold or temple jewellery.
Dashami — October 10: Sindoor Red / Orange
Vijaya Dashami is Sindoor Khela day. Married women traditionally wear red or vermilion-adjacent colours. A deep red or orange outfit is most appropriate. The occasion is joyful and celebratory — your outfit should match that energy.
What to Wear for Durga Puja Pandal Hopping
Durga Puja pandal hopping in cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi involves a lot of walking, sometimes in heat, sometimes in crowds. Practical considerations:
- Choose breathable fabrics — chanderi, cotton voile, georgette
- Flat footwear or comfortable block heels
- Keep jewellery manageable — you'll be in crowds
- A co-ord set is practical for pandal hopping — no risk of a dupatta getting caught
- A cape top adds occasion-wear elegance without the bulk of a traditional salwar suit
Durga Puja Outfit Ideas for Women
- Shashthi: White chanderi handwork shirt with ivory or cream palazzo. Silver jhumkas.
- Saptami: Royal blue or orange co-ord set. This is the showstopper day — dress for it.
- Ashtami: Deep red kurta or handcrafted shirt with gold jewellery. Traditional and timeless.
- Navami: Bottle green or deep purple handwork outfit. Temple jewellery or oxidised silver.
- Dashami: Red or vermilion — celebratory and traditional for Sindoor Khela.
At Haus of Handmade, our handcrafted shirts and co-ord sets are made for occasions exactly like Durga Puja — each piece in natural fabrics with handwork that's made to last. Browse our handcrafted tops for women, co-ord sets, and cape tops. For the full festive season wardrobe, see our festive wear collection. Also see: Navratri 2026 colour guide and Diwali 2026 outfit ideas.