10 Fancy Dress Ideas for School Annual Function 2026–27
Every year it is the same panic. The school sends home a note about the annual function, and suddenly you have a week to find a costume. We have dressed Delhi NCR children for these functions for over 15 years from our shop in Krishna Nagar, so here are ten ideas that actually work on stage — they read from the back row, survive a long evening backstage, and do not cost a fortune.
When annual function season starts
Most Delhi schools hold their annual function between late November and February, with the busiest weeks in December and January. Rehearsals start three to four weeks before the day, and that is usually when the costume note comes home. Order at least a week ahead in peak season, and 10–15 days ahead if you want time for a fit check.
Start with the theme
Read the note before you shop. Schools usually announce one of four things: a patriotic theme, a classical dance item, a folk or "Unity in Diversity" item, or a free fancy dress round. If it is open, pick a costume your child can walk, sit and wait in for two to three hours, because that is how long most annual functions keep children backstage.
1. Fruit or vegetable
This one never fails for the younger classes. A watermelon, mango or tomato costume is recognisable instantly, easy to move in, and light enough that nobody overheats under the stage lights. See fruit costumes (from ₹295) and vegetable costumes.
2. Kathak dance dress
If the school has a classical dance item, a kathak dress is the most common ask. An anarkali cut spins into a full circle; a lehenga cut with a net dupatta gives the Mughal-court look. We stock kathak dresses in thirteen colours, and renting starts at ₹300, which is what most parents do for a single evening. The white and red kathak dress (₹400 to buy) is the safe pick when the note just says "kathak". Browse every colour in kathak dress.
3. Rajasthani or kalbelia
One of the most popular choices for cultural programmes. A Rajasthani lehenga for girls or an angrakha with a pagdi for boys stands out in group items, and a kalbelia dress is the folk look for a faster dance. See Rajasthani dress.
4. Freedom fighter or national leader
Gandhi ji, Rani Lakshmibai, Nehru — perennial favourites when the function has a patriotic segment. The costume is simple, the audience understands it instantly, and it pairs with a two-line speech. See the Mahatma Gandhi costume, the Jhansi Ki Rani costume and the full leaders and freedom fighters range.
5. Cartoon character
For nursery and the junior classes, nothing beats a character every child in the audience knows. Chutki, Tweety and Mickey Mouse are easy entries with a lot of energy. See cartoon characters, from ₹800.
6. Bharatnatyam costume
Classical costumes have a stage presence nothing else matches: the pleated fan, the temple jewellery, the posture it asks for. Even a child who only walks on looks like a performer. See bharatnatyam costumes, and for help choosing between kathak, bharatnatyam and odissi, see our classical dance costume guide.
7. Animal or bird
A peacock, parrot or elephant works brilliantly for a group skit or a nature-themed item. They are easy to wear, comfortable to sit in while waiting, and always a crowd favourite. See animal costumes and bird costumes.
8. Garba or Punjabi folk
A garba chaniya choli or a bhangra set brings colour and movement to a folk medley, and both are easy to dance in. See garba dress and bhangra dress.
9. State costume for "Unity in Diversity"
Very common in Indian schools: each child represents a state. A Kashmiri pheran, an Assamese mekhela chador, a Maharashtrian nauvari or a Kerala kasavu saree all read clearly on stage. See states fancy dress, with a note on which school day each costume suits, and Kashmiri dress.
10. Western dance costume
For a western or Bollywood group item, bold matching outfits make the line look coordinated and professional on camera. Sequin tops, frocks and ballroom sets start at ₹250. See western dance dress.
For every dance in one place — kathak, bharatnatyam, bhangra, garba, kalbelia, bihu and western — see our dance costumes on rent in Delhi hub.
Quick tips before you buy or rent
- Confirm the theme and any colour rule with the class teacher first.
- Order a week ahead in December–January, earlier if you want a practice wear at home.
- For flared dance skirts, size by height, not age: a short dancer in a long skirt loses the spin.
- Keep props simple. A flag, a flute or a stick is enough; extra accessories get dropped on stage.
- Pick something your child can sit in. Annual functions involve long waits backstage.
Rent or buy?
Most annual function costumes are worn once, so renting is cheaper and saves cupboard space. You pay the rent plus a refundable deposit, collect the costume from the shop or get it delivered, and get the full deposit back when you return it after the function. See how renting works. Buy if a younger sibling will wear it next year, or if the child performs the same dance every season.
Costumes for a whole class or house
If you are a teacher or a parent coordinator ordering ten or more of the same costume, send us the costume, the count, the size list and the function date on WhatsApp. We match one colour across every size, pack and label per size, and quote a bulk price. See bulk costumes for schools and, for academies, dance academy sets.
Where to get them in Delhi
Everything above is in stock at Mod Fancy Dress, S64 South Anarkali, Som Bazar, Krishna Nagar, a five-minute walk from Krishna Nagar Metro on the Pink Line. You can try the costume in the shop, or book Porter/Rapido delivery anywhere in Delhi NCR. Prefer Hindi? Read the same guide in Hindi.
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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.