Durga Puja is one of the most loved festivals in India, and in Kolkata, it is much more than a few days of puja. It is a time for meeting family, visiting pandals, enjoying food, spending evenings with friends and, of course, dressing up.
For many women, choosing what to wear for each day of Durga Puja can be just as exciting as the celebration itself. You may want a traditional look for Ashtami, something comfortable for pandal hopping in Kolkata, and a more dressed-up outfit for an evening celebration.
The good news is that you do not have to wear the same type of ethnic outfit every day. From Anarkalis and kurta sets for women to shararas, lehengas, palazzo sets and modern dhoti sets, there are plenty of ways to create a festive look.
If you are looking for Durga Puja outfit ideas for women in 2026, here are 10 styles you can try this season.
Table of Contents
1. Anarkali Set for a Classic Puja Look
Anarkali is one of the easiest choices when you want to look traditionally dressed without wearing a very heavy outfit.
An Anarkali suit with a matching bottom and dupatta works beautifully for puja visits, family gatherings and evening celebrations. You can choose a simple design for daytime or go for embroidery and festive detailing for a more dressed-up look.
For Durga Puja, colours like red, yellow, orange, pink, green and deeper festive shades can work beautifully.
An Anarkali is also a comfortable option when you know you will be out for several hours.
Best for: Saptami, Ashtami, family visits and evening puja celebrations.
Style tip: Pair your Anarkali with jhumkas, simple bangles and comfortable ethnic footwear.
Looking for an Anarkali for your Puja wardrobe? Explore Rudrayani’s Anarkali collection for festive styles.
2. Drape Saree for Ashtami
Ashtami is often one of the most important days of Durga Puja, so it is natural to want something a little more traditional.
A drape saree can give you the saree-inspired look without the difficulty of managing several metres of fabric. It is a practical choice for women who want to look festive while keeping their outfit easy to wear.
For a traditional Puja feel, you can choose shades such as red, white, ivory, yellow or combinations inspired by Bengali festive dressing.
Complete the look with earrings, bangles and a small bindi.
Best for: Ashtami, puja visits and traditional family celebrations.
3. Kurta Set for Comfortable Pandal Hopping
If your Durga Puja plans include visiting several pandals in one day, comfort becomes important.
A kurta set for women is a simple choice for long days of walking around the city. You can choose a kurta with straight pants, palazzos or another comfortable bottom.
A festive kurta set does not have to be heavily decorated. Small embroidery, prints, interesting necklines or statement sleeves can be enough to make the outfit feel special.
This is also one of the most practical ethnic outfits because the pieces can be styled separately later.
Best for: Pandal hopping, daytime celebrations, family visits and casual Puja gatherings.
Want an easy festive outfit? Check out Rudrayani’s Kurta Sets for women.
4. Sharara Set for a Fun Festive Look
A sharara set for women is a great choice when you want something more festive than a regular kurta set but do not want to wear a lehenga.
The wide, flared pants give the outfit a fun look and work especially well for celebrations where you will be meeting friends and family.
You can choose bright colours for daytime Puja visits or deeper shades for evening celebrations. Embroidery, sequins and other details can make the outfit more festive without making it too heavy.
A sharara is also a good option if you want something that looks great in photographs.
Best for: Saptami, Navami, evening celebrations, family gatherings and festive outings.
5. Lehenga for a Dressier Durga Puja Look
Lehengas are not only for weddings. A lighter lehenga for women can also make a beautiful Durga Puja outfit.
If you are attending a special event, cultural programme or evening celebration, a lehenga can give you a more dressed-up look.
For Puja, you can choose a festive lehenga that is easier to carry than a heavy bridal outfit. Pair it with a simple blouse and dupatta, or choose a more detailed lehenga choli if you want to make the outfit the centre of your look.
A lighter wedding-style lehenga can also be reused for other festive occasions later.
Best for: Navami, evening celebrations, cultural events and festive parties.
Planning a statement look this Puja? Browse Rudrayani’s Lehenga Sets.
6. Gharara Set for a Traditional Touch
If you want to try something different from an Anarkali or lehenga, a gharara set is worth considering.
Gharara outfits have a distinct traditional look and can be styled beautifully with earrings, bangles and a dupatta.
They work particularly well for women who enjoy classic Indian fashion but want an outfit that feels less common.
Choose lighter fabrics and comfortable designs if you plan to wear the outfit for several hours.
Best for: Ashtami, Navami, family celebrations and festive evenings.
7. Palazzo Set for Daytime Puja Visits
A palazzo set for women is another comfortable option for Durga Puja.
The wide-leg pants make it easy to move around, which is useful when your day involves walking, visiting relatives or going from one pandal to another.
You can keep the outfit simple during the day and add statement jewellery if you are going out in the evening.
An ethnic palazzo set can also be a useful addition to your wardrobe because you can wear it for family lunches, festive gatherings and other occasions after Puja.
Best for: Daytime Puja, pandal hopping, family visits and casual celebrations.
8. Dhoti Set for a Modern Ethnic Look
Not every Puja outfit needs to be completely traditional.
A dhoti set for women can give you a modern ethnic look while still keeping Indian details at the centre of the outfit.
Dhoti-style bottoms can be paired with an ethnic kurta or top, creating a look that is comfortable and a little different from the usual festive outfits.
This is a good choice if you like experimenting with your ethnic wardrobe.
Best for: Sangeet-style celebrations, cultural events, evening gatherings and modern festive looks.
Prefer something different this Puja? Explore Rudrayani’s Dhoti Sets for women.
9. Yellow Ethnic Outfit for a Bright Festive Look
Yellow is a popular choice for Indian festive dressing because it instantly gives an outfit a cheerful feel.
You can choose a yellow Anarkali, kurta set, sharara, palazzo set or lehenga depending on the occasion.
A yellow ethnic outfit works especially well during daytime celebrations. You can keep the jewellery simple with gold-toned earrings, bangles and a small bindi.
If you already have a yellow outfit in your wardrobe, you can give it a fresh look with a different dupatta or jewellery combination.
Best for: Daytime Puja, family gatherings, Saptami and festive lunches.
10. Red and White Look for a Traditional Bengali Feel
Red and white are strongly associated with Bengali festive dressing, making this combination a natural choice for Durga Puja in Kolkata.
You do not necessarily need a traditional saree to bring these colours into your outfit. A red-and-white Anarkali, kurta set, sharara or drape saree can create a festive look while giving you more styling options.
For a simple look, pair the outfit with gold earrings and bangles. You can also add a red bindi and traditional footwear.
Best for: Ashtami, Dashami, family celebrations and traditional Puja gatherings.
What to Wear for Each Day of Durga Puja 2026?
If you want to plan your outfits before the festival begins, you can create a simple wardrobe plan for each day.
Shashti
Start the celebrations with something comfortable and festive. A kurta set or palazzo set works well for daytime plans.
Saptami
This is a good day to bring in a more colourful outfit. Try an Anarkali or sharara set.
Ashtami
Go for a more traditional look. A drape saree, Anarkali or gharara set can work beautifully.
Navami
Navami is a great time for a statement outfit. Choose a lehenga, sharara or detailed Anarkali.
Dashami
For family gatherings and Sindoor Khela, a red-and-white-inspired outfit can create a beautiful festive look. You can choose a drape saree, Anarkali or another ethnic set based on your personal style.
What to Wear for Durga Puja Pandal Hopping?
Pandal hopping is one of the biggest parts of the Durga Puja celebration, especially in Kolkata.
If you plan to visit multiple pandals, choose your outfit with comfort in mind. You may spend several hours walking, standing in queues and travelling from one part of the city to another.
A few good options include:
- Kurta sets
- Palazzo sets
- Lightweight Anarkalis
- Sharara sets
- Dhoti sets
- Lightweight lehengas
Avoid choosing an outfit simply because it looks good in a photograph. If it is too heavy or difficult to manage, you may not enjoy your day.
Comfortable footwear is equally important. Flats, juttis or low heels are usually easier to manage when you are walking for long periods.
How to Style Your Durga Puja Outfit
You do not need to overdo your accessories to create a festive look.
For an Anarkali or kurta set, a pair of jhumkas and bangles may be enough. A lehenga or sharara can be paired with a statement necklace or larger earrings.
If your outfit already has a lot of embroidery or embellishment, keep the jewellery simple.
You can also change the overall look with your dupatta. Try carrying it over one shoulder, across both shoulders or in a relaxed drape.
For makeup, you can keep your daytime look simple and add a stronger lip or eye look for evening celebrations.
How to Choose the Right Durga Puja Dress for Women
Before buying a new outfit for Durga Puja, think about where you will wear it.
If you are going pandal hopping, comfort should be your priority. If you are attending an evening celebration, you can choose something more detailed.
Also think about whether you can wear the outfit again.
A good ethnic outfit should not sit in your wardrobe after one festival. A kurta set, Anarkali, sharara, palazzo set or lehenga can often be styled differently for weddings, Diwali, family celebrations and other festive occasions.
Build Your Durga Puja Wardrobe Around Your Style
There is no single correct way to dress for Durga Puja.
Some women love traditional outfits, while others prefer modern ethnic fashion. Some prefer saree-inspired looks, while others feel more comfortable in a kurta set or palazzo.
The important thing is to choose something that feels like you.
For a traditional look, try an Anarkali, drape saree or gharara. For a modern ethnic outfit, consider a dhoti set or palazzo set. If you want something more festive, a sharara or lehenga can be a great choice.
With the right outfit, you can enjoy the celebrations without constantly worrying about your clothes.
Final Thoughts
Durga Puja is the perfect time to bring out your ethnic wardrobe and try different styles.
From a comfortable kurta set for women for pandal hopping to a statement lehenga for an evening celebration, there are plenty of Durga Puja outfit ideas for women to choose from in 2026.
Anarkalis, sharara sets, ghararas, palazzo sets and dhoti sets can all give you a different festive look. And if you want something with a more traditional feel, a drape saree or red-and-white outfit can be a beautiful choice.
This Puja, choose outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident and ready to enjoy every moment of the celebration.
Explore Rudrayani’s ethnic wear collection and find your festive look for Durga Puja 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should women wear for Durga Puja 2026?
Women can choose from Anarkalis, kurta sets, sharara sets, lehengas, ghararas, palazzo sets and drape sarees for Durga Puja. The best outfit depends on the day, occasion and how comfortable you want to be.
What is the best outfit for Durga Puja pandal hopping?
Kurta sets, palazzo sets, lightweight Anarkalis and comfortable sharara sets are good choices for pandal hopping. Choose comfortable footwear as you may spend several hours walking and standing.
What should I wear on Ashtami?
For Ashtami, you can choose a traditional-looking outfit such as an Anarkali, drape saree, gharara or festive sharara set. Red, white, yellow and other festive shades can work well.
What should I wear for Durga Puja in Kolkata?
For Durga Puja in Kolkata, choose an outfit that is festive but comfortable enough for travelling and pandal hopping. Kurta sets, Anarkalis, shararas, palazzos and drape sarees are all good options.
Which colours are good for Durga Puja outfits?
Red, white, yellow, pink, orange, green and other bright or festive colours are popular choices for Durga Puja. Red and white are especially associated with Bengali festive dressing.
Can I wear a lehenga for Durga Puja?
Yes. A lightweight lehenga can be a great Durga Puja outfit, especially for Navami, evening celebrations and cultural events. Choose a design that is comfortable enough for the occasion.
What is a good modern ethnic outfit for Durga Puja?
Dhoti sets, palazzo sets, contemporary kurta sets and modern sharara outfits are good choices if you want an ethnic look with a more contemporary feel.
