Beyond the sari: Four fresh ways to switch up your puja wardrobe

Durga Puja is more than just adda and pandal hopping — it is also a style parade, with everyone putting their best fashion foot forward. This Puja, switch things up and take your wardrobe beyond the usual sari-and-blouse combination. Think an asymmetric dress, a kalidar or even a dhoti-and-crop-top pairing. My Kolkata caught up with Roy Calcutta founder and designer Abhisek Roy to curate a day-by-day style guide to take you through Durga Puja in comfort and flair.

A little asymmetry for your Sasthi look

An easy-breezy dress crafted from a Dhonekhali sari, perfect for Sasthi and the start of Puja. Its fresh, asymmetric silhouette keeps the look casual and minimal, making it ideal for pandal hopping and festive gatherings. Style it with pearls for a delicate touch, or skip the necklace and let statement earrings take centre stage. Finish with heels or sneakers for a fusion edge, and add a box clutch for an effortless festive look.

A burst of colour for Saptami

“Durga Puja for me is about colours. The city becomes colourful and the outfits should reflect that,” said Roy. A flowy Jamdani dress in neon pink or another bright hue can bring a playful freshness to the Saptami look. Pair it with minimal silver jewellery — studs and a chic necklace for a refined finish. Choose heels or comfortable flats depending on the occasion. You may even cinch the dress with a belt for a contemporary twist. A sling bag or clutch completes the look.

Trade the drape for a dhoti this Ashtami

The sari may be an Ashtami staple, but this year, why not switch things up? Swap the traditional drape for a ready-made dhoti or a pair of dhoti pants. Pair it with a detailed or embroidered crop top in a matching or contrasting shade, or opt for a solid neutral crop top with a beige or white dhoti. Complete the look with juttis and a potli. Keep the jewellery minimal yet ornate — think studs, chunky wooden bangles and statement enamel rings.

Twirl into Navami in black

For Nabami, consider twirling in a kalidar kurta featuring intricate embroidery. “Black means happiness for me and you can certainly sport a gorgeous piece on Nabami night,” said Roy. Pair it with statement gold earrings if the borders feature zari embroidery, or opt for a polki set in a contrasting hue. Stilettos or flats can complete the look, depending on your comfort. Wear your hair in a bun, braid it or leave it open. Finish with a clutch or potli, and skip the sling bag to keep the silhouette of the outfit uninterrupted.