Navratri Garba Dress and the Nine Colours Tradition

What to wear to garba

Women traditionally wear a chaniya choli — a flared, embroidered skirt with a mirror-work blouse and dupatta. Men wear a kediyu (flared short kurta) with dhoti or churidar, often with a bandhani turban or stole. Comfortable shoes or juttis help through hours of dancing.

The nine colours of Navratri

In Maharashtra and now across India, many people wear a different colour on each of the nine days. The colour for each day follows the weekday on which Navratri begins, so the list changes every year. We publish the year's colour list on the Navratri page once it is announced.

Regional traditions

• Gujarat: garba and dandiya raas every night.
• Bengal: the last days of Navratri are Durga Puja.
• Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: golu — steps of dolls at home, with visits and gifts for women and girls.
• North India: fasting, Ramlila and Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami.

Fabrics and embroidery

Gujarati and Rajasthani garba outfits are famous for mirror work (abhla bharat), bandhani (tie-dye), kutch embroidery and bright patchwork. A good chaniya choli has a wide, swirling skirt — the more flare, the more beautiful the spins.

Dandiya and garba basics

Garba is danced in circles around a lamp or an image of the goddess, with clapping and graceful turns. Dandiya raas is danced in pairs with decorated sticks. Both celebrate the goddess — the circle represents the cycle of life, with the divine at the centre.

Practical tips for long garba nights

• Wear light, breathable fabrics and secure the dupatta well
• Choose comfortable flat shoes or mojaris — many venues allow dancing barefoot
• Keep jewellery light so it doesn't catch while dancing
• Drink plenty of water, especially if you are fasting

For men

Kediyu tops with mirror work, dhoti or churidar, a bandhani stole or safa (turban), and juttis are traditional. Simpler kurtas in bright colours are perfectly fine for first-timers.