Ganesh Chaturthi is in one week from now, and hence now is the time to get ready for the festival. Bappa is coming to be with his devotees, and we are set to receive him with joy and good spirits. The celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi are in the air, transmitted through the joyful and lively energy.
Whether it is for a family gathering and puja at home, or the rigorous pandal parties, wearing ethnic clothes of your choice only adds to the memories in and around Ganesh Chaturthi. Whatever your plan may be, we have got you covered, with the top 10 traditional dresses for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival lasting for about 10 days to celebrate the arrival of our dear Bappa – the child of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees set up Vinayaka in their home or in a local community area to worship him. In terms of the Hindu calendar, the annual festival occurs on the 4th day after Shukla Paksha during Bhadrapada (Hindu month), which falls between August 27th and September 6th this year.
Traditional Dresses for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
Ganesh Chaturthi is intended to be a festival which bonds people together. It is also a festival which is celebrated across the globe in many unique ways. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing outfits that combine the best of timeless tradition and festival glam!
1. Paithani Saree
A Paithani saree is the quintessential piece for Maharashtrian wear. It is made from pure silk with stunning gold zari with peacock and lotus motifs. Draping the nine-yard saree is definitely a skill, especially if you don it with temple jewellery, gold jhumkas or a multi-layered necklace. Don’t forget to complete the whole saree look with a bun set with jasmine flowers.
2. Nauvari Saree
The Nauvari saree, so named because it is a “nine-yard” saree that drapes like dhoti trousers, gives you the grace to move during the festivities of Aarti rituals and processions. Bright shades of saffron or crimson are auspicious. You could have one with an additional contrasting green or gold border at the edge. The larger-than-life nath (nose ring) and gold bangles are a must-wear to highlight the dress.
3. Kasavu Saree
The Kasavu Saree from Kerala is a precise and simple solution if you’re looking for the perfect simple but elegant outfit! Most are off-white cotton with a gold border. They are light yet elegant for evening aarti and prayer! Add small jhumkas, delicate gold chains, and a simple oddiyanam (belt) to complete the look! You can also find fresh jasmine dipped into kumkum to accessorise your hair and recreate the dreamy Kerala morning mist.
4. Pattu Pavadai
There is nothing cooler than a well-draped Pattu Pavadai! It is simply a silk Pavadai (skirt) with a matching blouse and a matching dupatta. The colours are bright and have an elegant gold border to enhance the look. There are tons of designs, colours and combinations for this outfit, and accessorising with a tiny gold waist chain (elanjinaharam), stud earrings, and fresh flowers woven in braids is super cute.
5. Bandhani Lehenga
The vibrant tie-dye circle patterns on a bright lehenga are a must-have for everyone! The short choli and flowing dupatta, embellished with gota patti and mirror, emphasise the exuberance of western India. You will want to wear oxidised silver jewellery on the day to stand out in the crowd. Any oversized jhumka with chunky bangles will go with the fit. This outfit is perfect for any pandal or disco-inspired Ganesha party.
6. Chikankari Kurta-Pyjama
Chikankari Kurta Pyjama sets are famous amongst both men and women. The male devotees can experience the fine craftsmanship of Lucknow with a white cotton chikankari kurta-pyjama set. Women prefer delicate floral and paisley-embroidered sets. Pair the kurta with a straight-cut pyjama and Kolhapuri chappal, and you’re all set for the aarti. You can personalise this outfit with a modern sensibility, like a still watch or chain.
7. Dhoti-Kurta with Angavastram
A crisp white dhoti with a simple gold border trim and the matching silk kurta with the angavastram (shoulder cloth) can never go wrong for Ganesh Chaturthi. The accessories to be paired with this outfit should be simple. A simple gold necklace or rudraksha mala, leather sandals for around the temple, and ensure comfort during the day!
8. Lehenga Choli with Dupatta
Lehenga-Cholis adorned with vibrant colors and designs and features in the jewel tones are always the best choice to wear for any celebration. You could never go wrong with a colorful zardozi embroidered lehenga-choli in jewel tones for Ganesh Chaturthi, so make sure that you focus on the colors saffron, red, yellow, green, orange, etc. to give yourself that additional happy look for Ganesh Chaturthi.
9. Patola Silk Saree
A Patola SIlk Saree in double-ikat weaving with both geometric and floral designs is one of the most famous dresses from Gujarat. Bright patterns with interwoven colours like mustard, maroon, and teal forms the perfect palette for a Patola saree. Pair it up with simple accessories like a small kundan set with a necklace, and that’s all you need to rock the festivities.
10. Kalamkari Kurta with Chudidaar
Kalamkari Kurta with Chudidaar in floral prints is extremely popular throughout the country. The patterns are not limited to floral designs, mythical motifs also form a big part of these elegant kurta sets. Kalamkari can be either hand-painted or blockprinted. You just can’t go wrong with a long churidar. You can get comfortable through long pujas in this outfit. But don’t forget to distress the look with oxidized silver jewelley.
Key Highlights
- Each state and region has its specific traditional attire to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Choose a bright palette. Go for colours like red, yellow, saffron, green, orange, and blue.
- Pair up your outfit with appropriate jewellry.
- Choose breathable material to ensure comfort during the festivities.
Regional Tradition Dress GuideGanesh for Chaturthi 2025
| Region | Traditional Dress | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Paithani and Nauvari Saree | Gold zari motifs and dhoti-style drape |
| Kerala | Kasavu Saree | Off-white cotton with minimalist golden border |
| Tamil Nadu | Pattu Pavadai | Bright silk with golden border |
| Gujarat and Rajasthan | Bandhani Saree and Patola Saree | Tie-dye patterns, double-ikat weaving |
| North India | Lehenga Choli | Heavy embroidery with jewel-tone palettes |
| Uttar Pradesh | Chikankari Kurta with Kurta Pyjama | White-on-white embroidery |
| South India | Dhoti-Kurta with Angavastram | Gold zari borders |
| Andhra Pradesh and Telangana | Kalamkari Kurta-Chudidaar | Floral and mythological motifs |
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi captures tradition and devotion, and the traditional dress for the festival, becomes part of the occasion. Many parts of the country follow particular traditional rituals and processions to mark the festival, therefore the dresses are different also. This year, as you welcome Lord Ganesha within your home and heart, ensure that the traditional dress you wear expresses the joy, devotion, and timelessness of the here and now of the festival.
