It’s that time of the year when we welcome the goddess turned out in our very best. A quick wardrobe update will include ensembles and accessories from the top signatures in town that can be worn during the four most important days of the festival. We’ve taken inspiration for four looks from the hues that have become the essence of Durga Puja. The white of the kash phool that’s blooming everywhere now, the bright green of the quintessential kolabou that’s placed next to Ganesha, the pink of the lotuses (108 of them) offered at sandhi puja, and the crimson of sindoor khela. Each colour embodies Bengal’s biggest festival. 

Ladies, make a statement in lehenga saris instead of Bengal’s favourite garad, the red-bordered white saris that never go out of style. For men, a new look is in order with the drape kurta-trouser instead of the expected dhoti-kurta look. So, here’s a quick fix to ensure you shine through the four days of frenzy.

Kolabou

As the final countdown begins, on Saptami, the pandals come alive with green as kolabou or nabapatrika, who symbolises a cluster of nine plants, takes her place in the Puja pandal besides her husband, Ganesha. 

Our model Ishika’s outfit represents the bright green of the kolabou. This chiffon lehenga sari by Ritu Kumar is worn with a sleeveless choli. Embellished with machine-and hand-embroidery, this fusion ensemble offers a chic break from a traditional sari and is easy to wear and carry.

Adding a splash of colour and a hint of bling to the look is statement jewellery by Vasundhara Mantri. Ishika’s hair has been styled into a messy French roll, while the eyes have been defined using a flick of trendy electric blue liner. The make-up has been kept glossy with shiny cheeks and peach lipstick.

Ritu Kumar ensemble: Rs 21,990
Jewellery: Ring Rs 5,250; Earrings Rs 6,050; 
Handcuff Rs 6,000; 
Neckpiece Rs 18,000 
Aldo shoes: Rs 5,990

Padma phool

This is the perfect look for men on Ashtami or Navami. Deepak is dressed in the pale pink of the lotus flowers or padma phool that are offered to the goddess during sandhi puja that is performed when Ashtami ends and Navami begins. 

The Raghavendra Rathore ensemble teams a two-tone Egyptian cotton Jodhpuri waistcoat with a silk, pin-tuck kurta and an off-white churidar. The waistcoat is detailed with deep blue jewelled buttons and accessorised with a matching, printed pocket square. Quirky, hand-embroidered, raw silk and leather shoes with kalamkari insoles by Rohan Arora complete the outfit.

Deepak’s hair has been styled like Elvis Presley’s iconic pompadour.

Raghavendra Rathore ensemble: Price on request
Rohan Arora shoes: Price on request

Kash phool

Nothing symbolises the arrival of Durga like the kash phool, and its white colour can carry you through any day of the Pujas. Given its deep association with the festivities, our model Raj’s look revolves around white. A pristine white crepe jersey drape kurta by Shantanu & Nikhil that’s detailed with a metal zip and pleats on one side is paired with satiny stretch-cotton trousers instead of a regular pyjamas/churidar. The ensemble is complete with suede, strap juttis by the designers that have been worked with delicate gold embroidery. This look can go from the pandals to the pubs. 

Shantanu & Nikhil ensemble with juttis: Price on request

Sindoor khela

The celebrations reach their crescendo on Vijay Dashami that marks the grand finale of the Pujas. On this day, vermilion is central to the ritual of sindoor khela. Jessica models a befitting Anamika Khanna outfit in signal red dupion silk. This eye-catching, knee-length bandhgala jacket with metallic cord-embroidery is worn over a long, sleeveless, drape dress embellished with floral embroidery. Draped red trousers complete the look.

Precious kundan jadau jewellery by Sawansukha enhances the opulence of this look. Jessica’s hair has been tied into a twisted braid with soft curls. The eyes have been highlighted in copper and black to complement the bright red lips and her copper-tinged cheeks. Shimmery gold peep-toes from Aldo add the final touch to this look.

Anamika Khanna ensemble: Price on request; Jewellery by Sawansukha: Price on request; Aldo shoes: Rs 8,990

Photographs: Rashbehari Das; 
Additional inputs: Shilpi Guha

Hair, make-up and styling: Kaushik Rajat