List of Indian Mythological Characters for Fancy Dress
When a school announces a fancy dress competition on the theme of "Indian mythology," most parents reach for the same three or four ideas — and so does half the class. The trick to standing out on stage is picking a character that is instantly recognisable from a distance, easy for a child to carry, and simple to explain in a one-line introduction. This is a working list of Indian mythological characters for fancy dress, organised by how easy they are to put together, with notes on what makes each costume read clearly under stage lights.
We are a fancy dress shop in Krishna Nagar, Delhi, and after 15+ years of kitting out children for annual functions across Delhi NCR, these are the looks that consistently work. You can see ready costumes on our Indian mythology costumes collection.
Gods and goddesses (the most recognisable picks)
These are the safest choices for younger children because the audience identifies them in a second.
- Lord Krishna — peacock-feather mukut (crown), a yellow or blue dhoti, a flute, and a mor pankh. The flute is the giveaway prop; without it Krishna can look like any boy in a dhoti. This is the most-requested costume every Janmashtami. See our Janmashtami dress collection.
- Radha — a lehenga or ghagra choli in bright pink or red, a small mukut, and jewellery. Pairs naturally with a Krishna for a duo entry.
- Goddess Saraswati — a white or cream saree, a veena (the prop that defines her), and a lotus or swan reference. Ideal for Basant Panchami and school theme days.
- Goddess Durga — a red-and-gold saree, a trishul, and a crown. For a group act, Durga with her lion works as a strong centrepiece.
- Lord Shiva — a tiger-skin print drape, a trishul, a snake around the neck, and a crescent moon and Ganga in the matted hair. The blue throat detail and damru add instant recognition.
- Lord Ganesha — usually done with an elephant-face mask or headpiece over a dhoti. Best for confident younger kids since the mask can be warm on stage.
- Lord Hanuman — orange face and body colour, a gada (mace), and a tail. One of the easiest to identify and very popular with boys.
Characters from the Ramayana
A Ramleela or Dussehra theme opens up a whole cast. Browse our Ramleela costumes collection for these.
- Lord Rama — blue or golden dhoti, a bow and arrow (dhanush-baan), and a crown. The bow is essential.
- Sita — a simple, graceful saree or lehenga in yellow or red with modest jewellery.
- Ravana — the ten-head crown is the hero prop here; even a printed ten-head headpiece transforms a child instantly. A moustache, a dark robe, and a mace complete it. This is a favourite for slightly older kids who enjoy a dramatic entry.
- Lakshmana — similar to Rama but in a contrasting colour, with a bow.
- Lord Hanuman — see above; he belongs to the Ramayana and works for both god-themed and Ramayana-themed competitions.
Characters from the Mahabharata
Good for older children who can carry a slightly more layered look.
- Arjuna — a warrior dhoti, a bow (the Gandiva), and an armband. A chariot or Krishna-as-charioteer reference makes a memorable duo.
- Bhima — a strong build is not needed; a mace (gada) and a bold drape do the work.
- Draupadi — a regal saree with heavy jewellery.
- Krishna as Parthasarathi — the same Krishna look, but holding a whip or with a charioteer cue, tied to the Gita theme.
How to choose the right character for your child
A few practical pointers from years of fittings:
1. Pick recognisable over elaborate. A simple Krishna with a clear flute beats a complicated costume the audience cannot place. 2. Match the prop to the character. The flute, veena, trishul, bow, or ten-head crown is what the judges see from the back row. Never skip the defining prop. 3. Keep it comfortable. Stage lights are hot and a nervous child fidgets. Avoid heavy masks for very young kids and pin every loose drape. 4. Prepare a one-line introduction. Something like "I am Lord Krishna, the playful god who lifted the Govardhan hill" ties the costume to the theme and impresses judges.
A few less-common ideas to stand out
If your school discourages repeats, consider Lord Vishnu (with shankh, chakra, gada and padma), Goddess Lakshmi (lotus and gold), Narada Muni (with a tanpura and the classic "Narayan Narayan" line), or Abhimanyu for a Mahabharata theme. These read clearly while being far less common than a tenth Krishna in the line-up.
Rent or buy?
For a once-a-year competition, renting almost always makes more sense — your child wears it once and outgrows it within a season, and rental gets you a richer, better-finished costume for a fraction of the buying price. You can check rental pricing and terms on our rent page, or browse everything on our products page.
We are based in Krishna Nagar, Delhi, and serve families across Delhi NCR with both retail and rental. If you are unsure which character suits your child or you need a matching set for a group act, visit the shop a few days before the event so there is time to try sizes and sort the props. Start with the Indian mythology costumes collection and reach out if you need help choosing.
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 93113 65366 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 93113 65366). 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.