Diwali goes on for five whole days, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhaubij, and on almost every one of these days there’s a puja to attend or family coming over. For most of us, a saree is the first choice for all of it. But planning a saree for Diwali five days in a row can get a little confusing. So, let’s go day by day and look at some simple Diwali saree ideas.
Which Diwali Saree to Wear on Each Day
1. What to Wear on Dhanteras
Many families buy gold or silver on this day and do a puja for Lakshmi and Kubera in the evening, so it makes sense to choose a saree for Dhanteras with a bit of gold in it. A silk saree with a zari border in mustard or marigold works very well, and yellow sarees look really warm under diyas. Also, Dhanteras is often a working day. If you’re going straight from office to the puja, just pick a soft silk blend.
2. Saree for Choti Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi
Choti Diwali is usually the busiest day at home, with cleaning, cooking, rangoli, and a lot of running around. So your saree for Choti Diwali has to be easy to move in. A georgette saree or an organza saree in blush pink or mint stays comfortable all day. In Indian culture this day is Deepavali itself, and people take an oil bath before sunrise and wear new clothes. If that’s your tradition, a Kanjivaram saree with a contrast border is the classic Naraka Chaturdashi saree.
3. Lakshmi Puja Saree Ideas
Lakshmi Puja is the main day, when most women bring out their grandest Diwali saree look. Red is the most popular choice for a Lakshmi Puja saree, and red sarees in shades such as maroon, crimson, or wine all work well. A Banarasi saree with a heavy zari pallu is so rich that you’ll hardly need any jewellery with it.
Since you’ll be near diyas all evening, pin the pallu of your Diwali puja saree properly at the shoulder. And if there’s a party after the puja, you can change into a satin saree with a sequin border.
4. Diwali Padwa is Paithani Day
In Maharashtra, Padwa is a day for husband and wife. The wife does his aarti, and he gives her a gift, often jewellery. A Paithani saree with its woven peacock pallu is the most traditional saree for Diwali Padwa. Green sarees in parrot or bottle green with a magenta border look lovely on this day. Keep the blouse simple, and just add a Nath and some green glass bangles.
5. Bhaubij is All About Siblings
Bhaubij, or Bhai Dooj, is the last day of Diwali. Sisters do the tilak and aarti for their brothers, and the day usually ends with a big family lunch. So your Bhai Dooj saree look can be more relaxed, like a georgette designer saree with light sequin work. A pre-stitched saree is another easy saree for Bhaubij. The pleats are already stitched in, so you can wear it in a few minutes.
Diwali Saree Styling Tips for Blouses and Jewellery
Your blouse and jewellery can change the look of the same saree completely. Here’s how:
- Keep two saree blouses ready, one in gold tissue and one in a contrast shade like magenta or emerald. Readymade ones save you a trip to the tailor.
- Pair a heavy Banarasi or Paithani with a plain blouse, and a simple georgette with embroidery or mirror work.
- Match your Indian jewellery to the saree. Temple jewellery goes with a Kanjivaram, kundan with a Banarasi, and traditional Maharashtrian pieces with a Paithani.
- With a light georgette on Choti Diwali or Bhaubij, a pair of jhumkas is enough.
Two new sarees and a few from your own wardrobe are usually enough for all five days, and a fresh blouse can make an old silk look new again. Browse Mirraw’s Diwali sarees and the full saree collection to plan your Diwali saree outfit for each day. Filter the sarees for Diwali festival days by colour and fabric, and you can shortlist all five looks in one sitting.
