Indore celebrates festivals with fervor, and fashion plays a starring role. Here’s your complete festival styling guide from Navratri through Diwali season.
NAVRATRI (9 DAYS, 9 COLORS):
Traditional Color Schedule:
Day 1 – Yellow/Pratipada
Day 2 – Green/Dwitiya
Day 3 – Grey/Tritiya
Day 4 – Orange/Chaturthi
Day 5 – White/Panchami
Day 6 – Red/Shashthi
Day 7 – Royal Blue/Saptami
Day 8 – Pink/Ashtami
Day 9 – Purple/Navami
Outfit Options Per Day:
Budget: Rs.600-1,200 per outfit
Where: Ranipura, Bhagirathpura (stock up on all 9 colors at once for bulk discount)
Styles:
– Chaniya choli (traditional, Rs.1,200-2,500)
– Kurta-palazzo in day’s color (Rs.600-1,200)
– Saree (Rs.800-1,800)
– Indo-western (crop top + skirt, Rs.700-1,500)
Smart Shopping: Buy 3-4 base outfits in solid colors, interchange with colorful dupattas for different days (saves money).
Accessories:
– Oxidized jewelry (Rs.100-300 per set from Sarafa)
– Bangles matching each color (Rs.50-100 per day)
– Bindi packs (Rs.30 for multi-color pack)
Where Indore celebrates: Arya Samaj Ground, C21 Mall, DB City Lawn – outfits should be comfortable for garba/dandiya.
DUSSEHRA (Victory Day):
Traditional Outfit: Red, maroon, or gold
Budget: Rs.1,500-4,000
Style: Full traditional ethnic – saree or heavy kurta set
Where: Rajwada area for viewing, local community pujas
Shopping: Rajwada and MT Cloth Market for traditional pieces
DIWALI (Festival of Lights):
Main Diwali Day:
Colors: Traditional – red, maroon, gold, orange; Modern – royal blue, emerald, burgundy
Budget: Rs.2,000-5,000
Outfits:
– Silk saree (most traditional, Rs.2,500-8,000)
– Heavy Anarkali suit (Rs.2,000-4,000)
– Lehenga choli (Rs.3,000-6,000)
– Designer kurta set (Rs.1,500-3,000)
Where to shop:
– Rajwada: Traditional silk sarees
– MT Cloth Market: Heavy ethnic sets
– DB City: Branded ethnic wear on Diwali sale
– MG Road showrooms: Manyavar, Fab India
Lakshmi Puja-Specific:
– Traditional red/maroon/pink preferred
– Gold jewelry (real or good imitation)
– Heavy embroidery work welcome
– Silk or silk-blend fabrics
Diwali Shopping Timeline:
– August-September: Best prices (pre-festive stock clearance)
– October (too close): Prices peak, crowds unbearable
– Day after Diwali: Next year’s shopping at 50% off!
Govardhan Puja (Day after Diwali):
Casual ethnic wear, comfortable as it involves temple visits:
– Simple kurta-palazzo (Rs.600-1,200)
– Cotton saree (Rs.800-1,500)
Bhai Dooj (2 days after Diwali):
Sisters dress up for brother:
– Festive but not as heavy as main Diwali
– Budget: Rs.1,200-2,500
– Colors: Bright, cheerful (yellow, pink, orange)
KARVA CHAUTH (Married women):
Traditional: Red or maroon saree
Budget: Rs.3,000-10,000 (investment piece)
Where: Rajwada silk shops
Modern trend: Heavy lehenga or Anarkali
Jewelry: Full set (wedding-level jewelry often worn)
Mehendi: Usually applied, factor this into outfit choice (comfortable sitting)
FESTIVE SHOPPING STRATEGY:
The Smart Indori Way:
Rs.5,000 total budget for entire festival season (Navratri to Diwali):
– Rs.2,000: One premium Diwali outfit
– Rs.1,500: Two Navratri outfits + colorful dupattas for remaining days
– Rs.800: Dussehra outfit (or re-wear Navratri red)
– Rs.700: Accessories, jewelry, bangles
The Luxury Way:
Rs.15,000+ budget:
– Rs.6,000-8,000: Premium silk saree for Diwali
– Rs.4,000-5,000: Designer chaniya choli for Navratri
– Rs.3,000: Mix of other festive outfits
– Rs.1,000-2,000: Quality jewelry
ACCESSORIES FOR FESTIVALS:
Jewelry Investment:
– One good gold-plated set: Rs.2,000-5,000 (use for all festivals)
– Festival-specific oxidized sets: Rs.150-400 each
– Bangles: Buy in bulk during festive season (Rs.30-50 per set of 6-8)
Footwear:
– Embellished juttis: Rs.400-800 (use throughout season)
– Heeled sandals: Rs.600-1,200 (for formal pujas)
FESTIVE SEASON SALES:
Where to hunt deals:
– July-August: Post-monsoon clearance (buy festive wear at 40% off)
– Day after Diwali: Shops clear festive inventory (50-60% off for next year)
Sales Reality:
– October “Diwali Sales” are often marketing gimmicks (minimal real discounts)
– Smart shoppers buy in July-August when last year’s festive stock is cleared
COMFORT CONSIDERATIONS:
Festival days are long (pujas, visits, celebrations):
– Choose breathable fabrics (cotton-silk blend > pure synthetic)
– Not-too-heavy jewelry (you’ll wear it 6-8 hours)
– Comfortable footwear (lots of standing)
– Avoid floor-length that drags (festivals involve movement)
INDORE-SPECIFIC TRADITIONS:
– Navratri: Indore has huge garba events; outfit should allow dancing
– Diwali: Family visits common; outfit should look good through multiple photos
– Many families do Chopda Pujan (account book worship): formal traditional attire expected
SUSTAINABLE FESTIVAL FASHION:
– Re-wear previous years’ outfits with new styling
– Swap with friends/family (borrow-lend culture strong in Indore)
– Rent premium pieces for main Diwali day
– Buy quality over quantity (one good outfit > three mediocre ones)
KIDS FESTIVE WEAR:
Budget per outfit: Rs.400-1,000
Where: Ranipura, Bhagirathpura (great kids festive wear section)
Tip: Kids outgrow quickly; do not overspend unless photo or video shoots planned
