Navratri Garba and Dandiya Dress Guide: What to Wear for Every Night
Navratri is one of the few festivals where the dress is as much a part of the celebration as the dance itself. Nine nights of garba and dandiya call for outfits that look festive, move well, and survive a full evening of spinning and clapping. Whether you are dressing up for a society event in Delhi NCR, a school cultural programme, or a big dandiya night, here is a clear guide to picking the right outfit.
Garba dress vs dandiya dress: what is the difference?
People often use the two terms together, and there is overlap, but the look is not identical.
A traditional garba dress for women is the chaniya choli — a flared, embroidered skirt (chaniya), a fitted blouse (choli), and a dupatta. The flare matters: garba is a circular dance, and a wide skirt opens up beautifully as you turn. For men, the garba look is the kediyu (a short, frilled angrakha-style top) with dhoti or churidar.
A dandiya dress is essentially the same family of festive wear, but because dandiya raas involves striking sticks with a partner, people often pick outfits with a little more freedom of movement and sleeves that do not get in the way. The mirror work, bandhani prints, and bright colours stay the same.
In practice, the same chaniya choli or kediyu works for both garba and dandiya. You can browse ready options on our dandiya dress collection and the garba dress collection to see the range of colours and sizes.
For kids and school fancy dress competitions
A huge number of our Navratri enquiries are for children — both for school fancy dress competitions on the theme of "Indian festivals" or "Gujarat / traditional dress," and for housing society garba nights.
For a school fancy dress competition, keep it simple and recognisable:
- A bright chaniya choli with mirror work reads instantly as "Gujarati / Navratri" from the audience and stage.
- Add a small bindi, bangles, and a light dupatta pinned at the shoulder so it does not slip during a performance.
- For boys, a kediyu with a colourful pagdi (turban) and a pair of dandiya sticks makes the look complete and easy to identify.
If your child has to give a few lines on stage, a one-line introduction like "I am wearing the traditional dress of Gujarat, worn during Navratri for the garba dance" works well and ties the costume to the theme.
Choosing colours for the nine nights
Many garba groups in Delhi and across India follow the nine-colour tradition of Navratri, where each day has an associated colour. If your event follows it, plan ahead — you do not need nine separate outfits, but a few interchangeable dupattas and accessories in the right shades let one or two chaniya cholis cover several nights. Bright reds, yellows, greens, royal blue, and orange photograph best under event lighting.
What to look for in a good garba outfit
- Flare over fabric weight: a skirt with good gher (flare) looks better in motion than a heavy, stiff one that does not move.
- Comfortable choli fit: you will raise your arms a lot in dandiya, so the blouse should not pull at the shoulders.
- Secure dupatta: pin it rather than draping loosely.
- Footwear: flat juttis or mojris are far more practical than heels for a long garba night.
Rent or buy?
For a once-a-year garba night or a single school competition, renting is usually the smart choice — you get a richer, more elaborate outfit for a fraction of the buying price, and you are not storing a costume your child will outgrow. If you attend garba every year or your child is in a regular dance class, buying may work out better over time. You can see our rental terms and pricing on the rent page.
We are based in Krishna Nagar, Delhi, and serve customers across Delhi NCR with both retail and rental options. If you are unsure about size or colour, visit the shop a few days before your event so there is time to try a few pieces and, if needed, arrange a small alteration.
A quick checklist before the event
- Outfit tried on and fitting confirmed (especially the choli and skirt waist)
- Dupatta pinned and tested with a few practice turns
- Bangles, bindi, and juttis ready
- Dandiya sticks packed, if your event uses them
- For kids: a simple one-line introduction practised, if it is a competition
Get the outfit sorted a little early and the rest of Navratri is just dancing. Explore the garba dress and dandiya dress collections to start, and reach out if you need help choosing the right size for a child or a group booking.
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.