Diwali Fancy Dress Competition Ideas for Kids and School
Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November in 2026, and most schools hold their Diwali fancy dress competitions in the last school week before the break, roughly Monday 2 to Friday 6 November. Here are the Diwali fancy dress competition ideas that work best on a school stage, grouped by theme and by age, with a short line for each that your child can say to the judges.
Ram, Sita and Hanuman: the return to Ayodhya
Diwali celebrates Ram coming home to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile, with the city lighting diyas to welcome him. It is the most popular Diwali theme in school competitions, and it works for a single child or a group of three or four.
- Ram: the Raja Ram dress is the crowned king in red and gold brocade, which is exactly the Ayodhya homecoming look. It rents for ₹1,000. The Vanvasi Ram set in saffron shows Ram during the exile, and suits a "journey home" act.
- Sita: Rani Sita for the queen, or the Vanvasi Sita saree (size 3-9 yrs) for the forest years.
- Hanuman: the simplest is the red Hanuman ji fancy dress, light enough for small children, at ₹450 rent. For a lead role, the velvet red Hanuman or the yellow Hanuman stand out more under hall lights.
- Laxman: for a brother act, a second saffron vanvasi-style set works. WhatsApp us and we will suggest the closest match in your child's size.
What to say on stage: "I am Shri Ram. After fourteen years in the forest, I have come home to Ayodhya, and the whole city has lit diyas to welcome me. That is why we celebrate Diwali."
Goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi Mata is the goddess worshipped on Diwali night, so it is the most searched Diwali fancy dress for girls. The look is a red or pink saree with a gold border, a gold crown, a lotus in one hand and a few gold coins in the other. You can build it from one of our kids' sarees, such as the pink saree or the white saree with red border, and add a paper lotus and chocolate coins. For a ready-made Lakshmi Mata costume, WhatsApp us to check what is in store.
What to say on stage: "I am Goddess Lakshmi. On Diwali night every home is cleaned and lit with diyas to welcome me. I bring wealth, health and happiness to all."
Lord Ganesh
Lakshmi and Ganesh are worshipped together at Diwali puja, so Ganesh is a good choice for boys who want a mythology costume that is not Ram. Our Ganesh fancy dress comes as a complete set with the kurta, dhoti, Ganpati head mask and axe prop, so there is nothing extra to buy.
What to say on stage: "I am Lord Ganesh. We pray to me first in every puja, and on Diwali we pray to me with Maa Lakshmi."
Eco-friendly Diwali fancy dress ideas
Many schools now ask for an eco-friendly Diwali theme, and a green message often scores well with judges. A few ideas that are easy to put together:
- Diya costume: an orange or yellow outfit with a cardboard flame headband. "I am a diya. I give light without smoke. Light me, not crackers."
- Say no to crackers: a plain outfit with a hand-made placard, or a cracker costume crossed out. "Crackers make noise and smoke. Let's celebrate with lights and sweets instead."
- Tree: our tree fancy dress carries a clean-air message. "I am a tree. I give you fresh air. Please don't fill it with smoke this Diwali."
- Earth or cloud: the Earth fancy dress or the cloud costume for a "save our planet" line.
- Rangoli girl: a bright kids' saree with a rangoli-print dupatta and a small plate of colours.
For more nature and message costumes, see the nature costumes page.
Ideas by age
- Ages 3 to 5: diya, tree, cloud or a light Hanuman. Choose something the child can wear comfortably for an hour, and keep the line to one sentence.
- Ages 5 to 8: Ram, Sita, Lakshmi or Ganesh with a two-line intro. This is the age where a clear character and a confident line win.
- Ages 8 to 12: the full Ayodhya tableau as a group act, or an eco-friendly theme with a short speech. Older children can carry a longer message and a heavier costume.
Sizing tips
Measure your child's chest and height and check them against the costume before the day. For dhotis and sarees, check the length at the ankle, because a hem that is too long is the most common reason children trip on stage. Masks and crowns should sit firmly without pressing on the forehead. If you can, visit our shop and try two sizes.
Rent or buy, and when to book
Rent if the costume is for one event. Every costume in our shop can be rented, usually for one to two days, with a refundable deposit that comes back in full when you return it. The deposit is ₹500 for costumes up to ₹200 rent, ₹1,000 for ₹201 to ₹500 rent, and ₹2,000 above that. Buy if the costume will be worn again, for example a Ram or Hanuman that will also be used for Dussehra and Ramleela.
October and November are among our busiest months, with Navratri, Dussehra, Halloween and Diwali close together. Book at least one week ahead, and two weeks for the Ram and Sita costumes. You can pick up from our Krishna Nagar shop in East Delhi, or we can send the costume by Porter or Rapido anywhere in Delhi NCR. Teachers dressing a whole class can ask for group rates on ten or more costumes. See all Diwali costumes on our festival costumes page, the wider Indian mythology costumes range, or read how renting works on the rent page.
Diwali ki fancy dress chahiye? WhatsApp karke size check kar lijiye.
Shop this guide
View all →
Raja Dashrath Fancy Dress
₹1,800
Manthara Fancy Dress
₹1,000
Vanvasi Sita Saree Dress
₹900
Ganesh Fancy Dress
₹1,200
Hanuman Ji Red Dress (Top and Shorts)
₹650
Kumbhkaran Fancy Dress
₹1,300
Meghnath Fancy Dress
₹1,200
Hanuman Red Fancy Dress
₹1,200
Common questions
Do you offer fancy dress on rent?
Do you offer fancy dress on rent?: Yes, every costume in our shop is available on rent. Rent starts from ₹200 per event. You can visit our Krishna Nagar, Delhi shop or message us on WhatsApp to check what is available.
Do you ship across India?
Do you ship across India?: Yes, we ship pan-India. Delivery typically takes 3–5 days for Delhi NCR and major metro cities, and 5–7 days for other locations.
Which costume is best for a school annual function?
Which costume is best for a school annual function?: It depends on the theme your school has assigned. For cultural programmes, Rajasthani, Kashmiri, and Bharatnatyam costumes are always popular. For national events like Republic Day and Independence Day, freedom fighter costumes like Bhagat Singh, Mangal Pandey, and Mother Teresa work well. For younger children, fruit, vegetable, animal, and cartoon costumes are always crowd favourites. Browse our blog for detailed ideas by occasion.
How do I choose the right size for my child?
How do I choose the right size for my child?: Our costumes are available in age-based sizes — 3-5 yrs, 6-8 yrs, 8-10 yrs, and 11-13 yrs for most dance and performance costumes. If your child is between sizes, always go one size up. This gives more room for movement on stage and allows for minor alterations. For accessories like pagdis and turbans, one size fits all.
How do I place an order?
How do I place an order?: Browse our collection online and add items to your cart, or WhatsApp us directly at +91 99537 64137 with the costume name and your child's size. We're available daily from 10 AM to 9:30 PM.
Where is Mod Fancy Dress located?
Where is Mod Fancy Dress located?: We are located at S64, South Anarkali, Som Bazar, Krishna Nagar, Delhi 110051. Open daily from 10 AM to 9:30 PM including Sundays.
Do you take bulk orders for schools?
Do you take bulk orders for schools?: Yes, this is one of our specialities. We have supplied costumes to 400+ school functions across Delhi NCR. For bulk orders of 5 or more pieces, contact us on WhatsApp for special pricing. For large school orders (20+ pieces), we recommend placing the order 3–4 weeks in advance.
Do you sell online or only from your Krishna Nagar store?
Do you sell online or only from your Krishna Nagar store?: Both. You can order online through our website and we ship across India, or visit us in person at S64, South Anarkali, Som Bazar, Krishna Nagar, Delhi 110051. Walk-in customers can see and try costumes before buying.
What if the costume doesn't fit after delivery?
What if the costume doesn't fit after delivery?: WhatsApp us immediately with a photo showing the fit issue. We will guide you on alteration options or exchange. Please contact us within 24 hours of receiving the order.
Can our school order matching costumes for a group dance performance?
Can our school order matching costumes for a group dance performance?: Absolutely. We stock multiple pieces of the same costume in matching colours and sizes — perfect for group items at annual functions and inter-school dance competitions. Share your requirements (costume type, quantity, sizes, event date) on WhatsApp and we'll send availability and pricing within 24 hours.
Which Kathak dress style is better for a school performance — anarkali or lehenga?
Which Kathak dress style is better for a school performance — anarkali or lehenga?: For school performances, anarkali style is more practical. It is easier to put on backstage quickly, and the single-piece design means nothing comes loose during spins and chakkars. Lehenga style looks more traditional and works well for recitals where there is more preparation time available.
Can I return or exchange a costume?
Can I return or exchange a costume?: We accept exchanges if the costume is unused, unwashed, and in original condition. Contact us within 24 hours of delivery via WhatsApp with photos. Return shipping charges are the buyer's responsibility for size exchanges. We do not accept returns for bulk school orders.
How many years have you been in business?
How many years have you been in business?: Mod Fancy Dress has been serving schools, dance academies, and families in Delhi for over 15 years. We have successfully supplied costumes for 400+ school annual functions and cultural events.
What is the security deposit for renting a costume?
What is the security deposit for renting a costume?: We take a refundable security deposit along with the rent. It depends on the costume: ₹500 deposit for costumes up to ₹200 rent, ₹1,000 for ₹201–₹500 rent, and ₹2,000 for costumes above ₹500 rent. You get the full deposit back when you return the costume.
How should I wash and care for the costume after use?
How should I wash and care for the costume after use?: Most of our costumes are made from polyester satin and net fabrics. Hand wash gently in cold water with mild detergent. Do not machine wash or wring. Dry in shade — not direct sunlight as colours can fade. Iron on low heat from the reverse side.
How does the costume rental process work?
How does the costume rental process work?: It is simple. Send us a WhatsApp message with the costume you need and your event date. Come to our Krishna Nagar shop to try the costume, or we can send it to you via Porter or Rapido. Pay the rent plus deposit. After your event, return the costume and collect your deposit.
What colours work best for stage performances?
What colours work best for stage performances?: Deep jewel tones photograph and perform best under stage lighting — red and gold, blue and gold, green and gold, purple and silver. Pastel colours tend to wash out under bright stage lights. If in doubt, go with red and gold — it is the most versatile and always looks rich on camera.
Do you offer costumes for adults?
Do you offer costumes for adults?: Yes. Several categories including Bhangra suits, Lavani sarees, Bharatnatyam costumes, and some folk dance costumes are available in adult sizes. WhatsApp us and we'll confirm availability for your specific requirement.
How many days before the event should I order?
How many days before the event should I order?: Order at least 10–15 days before the event. This gives time for delivery, checking the fit, and making any adjustments if needed. For bulk school orders, we recommend 3–4 weeks minimum.
Do you have a physical store I can visit?
Do you have a physical store I can visit?: Yes. You are welcome to visit our Krishna Nagar store to see the costumes in person and confirm the fit before buying. We are open all 7 days from 10 AM to 9:30 PM.
What is the minimum order quantity for wholesale pricing?
What is the minimum order quantity for wholesale pricing?: Wholesale prices apply from 5 pieces of the same costume. You can see our per-piece wholesale prices on our wholesale page. For larger quantities, contact us for a custom quote.
Do your costumes come with accessories?
Do your costumes come with accessories?: Most dance costumes are supplied as shown in the product photos. Accessories like pagdis, turbans, gadas, swords, and wings are available separately in our Accessories category. For bulk school orders, we can discuss including accessories as a package — WhatsApp us.
Do you offer Cash on Delivery (COD)?
Do you offer Cash on Delivery (COD)?: WhatsApp us to confirm COD availability for your location. Prepaid orders are processed and dispatched faster.
Can I rent fancy dress online or do I need to visit the shop?
Can I rent fancy dress online or do I need to visit the shop?: You can enquire and reserve on WhatsApp (+91 99537 64137). For pickup, visit our shop in Krishna Nagar, East Delhi. If you cannot come, we can arrange delivery through Porter or Rapido to your doorstep.
How long does delivery take for bulk school orders?
How long does delivery take for bulk school orders?: For ready stock, delivery takes 3–5 days across India. For specific colour combinations or large quantities that need to be arranged, allow 7–10 days. We recommend contacting us well before your event date to confirm stock.
Can I try the costume before renting?
Can I try the costume before renting?: Yes. If you visit our Krishna Nagar shop, you can try different sizes and styles before you decide. We recommend visiting the shop especially for dance costumes where the fit matters.
How early should I book a rental costume?
How early should I book a rental costume?: During busy months like August to November (school annual days) and January to February (Republic Day), costumes go fast. We suggest booking at least one week ahead. For popular costumes like Kathak or Krishna dress, two weeks is better. Off-season, even 2–3 days notice works.
Can I rent multiple costumes for a school group or class?
Can I rent multiple costumes for a school group or class?: Absolutely. If you need 10 or more costumes for a class performance or school event, we offer special group rates. Teachers and school coordinators can WhatsApp us with the list and we will put together a package with a group discount.