Republic Day and Independence Day Fancy Dress Ideas for School
Republic Day on 26 January and Independence Day on 15 August are the two biggest fancy dress occasions in the Indian school calendar. Almost every school holds a programme, and the costume your child wears decides how confidently they walk on stage. We have dressed thousands of Delhi NCR children for these two days over the last 15 years, so here are the ideas that genuinely work — what to pick by age, how to prep, and where to find each look on our site.
Tiranga (Tricolour) Themed Outfit
Nothing says national day like the tiranga. A simple saffron-white-green dupatta draped over a plain white kurta, or a tricolour gown for girls, reads instantly from the back row of the audience. For very young classes, a tiranga sash with a chakra badge over their school whites is the easiest win — quick to wear and impossible to mistake. The tricolour also photographs beautifully against any stage backdrop, which parents always appreciate. You will find ready Republic Day looks in our collection at /category/republic-day-dress.
Bharat Mata
Bharat Mata is the showstopper costume for both 26 January and 15 August. The saffron sari, the crown, the lotus and the tricolour flag held in hand make a powerful image, and it pairs perfectly with a patriotic poem or a one-line speech. This look suits girls from around 6 years upward who are comfortable holding a prop and standing still for the anthem. Because the draping needs to sit well, order early and do one practice wear at home. We keep Bharat Mata costumes in several sizes — see /category/independence-day-dress for the full range.
Freedom Fighters and National Leaders
This is the most popular and most meaningful category for national days, and it works for every age and gender:
- Mahatma Gandhi — a white dhoti, round glasses, a bamboo stick and a bald cap. The simplest costume to assemble and instantly recognised.
- Bhagat Singh — a yellow turban, kurta and a moustache. A favourite for boys who want a bold, confident character.
- Subhas Chandra Bose — the Netaji cap, round glasses and a military-style jacket. Great for a "Dilli Chalo" or "Give me blood" speech.
- Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi ki Rani) — a warrior sari, sword and shield. A strong choice for girls who want action over a static pose.
- Sardar Patel, Dr B. R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru — leaders who pair beautifully with a short factual speech about the Constitution, perfect for Republic Day specifically.
Browse the full set of leader and freedom-fighter costumes at /category/leaders-freedom-fighters. If your school assigns characters, decide early — the popular ones like Bhagat Singh and Gandhi go fast in the days before 15 August.
Defence and Helper Themes
Schools often theme Republic Day around the armed forces and national service. A soldier, an air force pilot, a NCC cadet or a police officer costume lets children salute during the parade segment and looks sharp in a march-past. These are comfortable to wear for the long backstage waits these programmes usually involve, which matters for younger kids.
Matching the Costume to the Event
A few things we have learnt from years of these two days:
- Republic Day leans formal and constitutional — leaders, the tricolour and defence themes fit the tone best.
- Independence Day leans toward the freedom struggle — Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Bose and Bharat Mata are the natural picks.
- For a group or class performance, pick one theme (all freedom fighters, or all tricolour) so the stage looks coordinated on camera.
- If there is a speech round, choose a character your child can actually speak about in two or three lines. A confident speech beats an elaborate costume every time.
Quick Prep Checklist
- Confirm the school theme and any colour rule before you buy.
- Order 10 to 15 days ahead so you have time to check the fit and do a practice wear.
- Keep props simple — a flag, a stick, a sword or glasses is enough. Too many accessories get dropped on stage.
- For group performances, ask us about bulk school orders; we offer discounts and can match sizes across a class.
- If you only need the costume for one day, renting is cheaper and saves storage — see /rent for what is available on hire.
Where to Get Them
We stock every costume above at Mod Fancy Dress in Krishna Nagar, Delhi, and deliver across Delhi NCR and the rest of India. Whether you want to buy outright, order in bulk for a class, or rent a Bharat Mata or freedom-fighter look for a single day, we can help you choose the right size and theme. Start with our Republic Day collection at /category/republic-day-dress and Independence Day collection at /category/independence-day-dress, or WhatsApp us and we will guide you in a couple of minutes.
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.