Puja outfits that balance tradition, trend, and all-day comfort

Durga Puja has always been a canvas of colours, rituals, and reunions. Not only in spirit but also in the wardrobe. Fashion during Puja has steeped in tradition, but each year also invites subtle reinvention; a play of fabric, silhouette, and detail that makes dressing as much a part of the festivities as the rituals themselves.

For women, the quintessential red-and-white saree may forever remain symbolic of Durga Puja, but contemporary wardrobes are opening up to a broader palette. Think jewel tones that echo the richness of the season — emerald, sapphire, deep magenta — or soft pastels that lend a breezy freshness to the daytime look.

Beyond solid hues, this is also the moment for colourful prints and patterns to shine — florals, geometric weaves, and hand-painted motifs that capture the energy of the festivities. These playful yet elegant designs not only break away from monotony but also embody the spirit of joy and celebration that Durga Puja is all about.

The key to keeping it stylish yet practical lies in contrasts. A pastel saree comes alive with a bold, dark blouse. Even accessories can provide striking counterpoints (think oxidised silver against a crimson weave or pearl strands set against emerald green). Contrasts add depth to the look and ensure the outfit feels curated rather than predictable.

Equally important is fabric. Bangladesh's Puja season carries lingering humidity, making breathable weaves non-negotiable. Cotton jamdani, light muslin, and soft silk blends remain favourites for their ability to let the skin breathe, while maintaining elegance. Linen-silk or tissue fabrics add a gentle sheen without weighing down the body. These airy fabrics allow one to move from the puja rituals at dawn to pandal-hopping at night with ease, looking impeccable while staying comfortable.

While women's sarees often draw the spotlight, men's festive wardrobes have also been expanding their vocabulary. The panjabi or kurta remains the backbone, but there's a noticeable shift toward solids in strong, grounded hues: black for gravitas, beige and white for daytime serenity, and maroon or deep green for celebratory evenings. Subtle tonal embroidery, jacquard weaves, or textured fabrics that add depth to them without overwhelming.

For formal settings such as family invitations or cultural programmes, pairing kurtas with churidar pyjamas or dhotis maintains a polished, traditional aesthetic. Casual pandal-hopping, however, allows more experimentation: kurtas styled with slim-fit trousers, straight-cut pants, or even denim for the bold.

Comfort remains key. Puja days are long, with rituals in the morning, gatherings in the afternoon, and celebrations in the evening. Breathable cottons and linens are perfect for the daytime, while silk blends or richly dyed fabrics lend sophistication after sundown.

Couples often coordinate their wardrobes, not in identical colours, but in complementary shades: a white saree with emerald borders paired with a green kurta, or a maroon Benarasi offset by a black kurta. It's a subtle way of telling a shared story.

Festive dressing is always about striking a balance between looking the part and feeling at ease. What stands out in today's Puja wardrobes is the emphasis on individuality. Some lean into heritage by choosing handwoven sarees or artisanal kurtas. Others bring in cosmopolitan twists like pairing a Benarasi with contemporary jewellery or styling a kurta with a blazer for a fusion look.

In the end, the true style statement of Puja lies not in how elaborate an outfit is, but in how confidently it is worn. Fashion during these five days is not about following rules, but about celebrating identity: personal, cultural, and timeless!

Photo: G M Sujan
Models: Mousumi Hamid, Nilanjona Nila, TM Jamil, Mehedee Hasan 
Design Concept and Art Direction: Biplob Saha
Wardrobe: Biplob Saha