Diwali is a festival of lights and vibrant colours, celebrating life's blessings, peace, and brightness. It's a time when families and friends come together to mark the victory of good over evil, and that means your clothing should be lively! Men's traditional Indian clothing has become increasingly popular at festivals, parties, and gatherings.


According to Ankit Daga, who is the Director of McNROE, "Grooming for men is no longer just a choice; today, it's an essential practice. Self-pampering goes beyond a mere routine; it symbolises confidence and self-assurance. The self-care industry underscores that caring for one's skin and hair is where grooming begins. Men now invest significant time and resources in quality products, emphasizing appearance. During festivals, their meticulous attention to styling their hair and beard results in a subtle, refined look.


Here are a few tips shared by Pranita Bandekar, who is the Founder & CEO, of Armour Bespoke.



  • Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: One of the most popular Indo-Western outfits is the Kurta Pyjama. It's a combination of a Kurta and comfortable, loose-fitting pants (the Pyjama). The Kurta is often made from lightweight materials like cotton or linen, making it perfect for a casual yet stylish look. When you pair this outfit with sneakers or sandals, you get a trendy Indo-Western look that's comfortable and eye-catching.

  • The Power of Colour: The use of colour in men's outfits during Diwali holds special significance, as it reflects both cultural traditions and personal style. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vibrancy, and the choice of colours in clothing plays a significant role in this celebration.

  • Traditional Colours: During Diwali, traditional Indian colours hold sway. Rich, vibrant hues like red, yellow, and maroon are popular choices. Red symbolises prosperity and happiness, yellow  signifies joy, positivity, and warmth. These colours are often incorporated into men's outfits through elements like turbans, kurtas, or Nehru jackets.

  • Symbolism: Many men choose to wear colours that have symbolic meaning during Diwali. For example, saffron or orange represents spirituality and is often associated with the sacred flame (diya) lit during the festival. Wearing this colour can signify a connection to the spiritual aspect of Diwali.

  • Contrasting Elements: To create a visually striking look, men often combine contrasting colours in their outfits. A white kurta paired with a vibrant, coloured Nehru jacket, or a deep blue kurta with gold embroidery, can create a visually appealing ensemble that exudes elegance and style.

  • Personal Style: While tradition plays a significant role, personal style is not to be ignored. Men often choose colours that reflect their personal taste and preferences. Contemporary fashion allows for a wide range of colours and styles, so individuals can express themselves while adhering to cultural norms.

  • Embellishments: In addition to colour, the use of intricate embellishments and embroidery adds a touch of grandeur to men's outfits during Diwali. Gold and silver threads, sequins, and mirror work are often used to enhance the visual appeal of the attire

  • Regional Variations: Diwali celebrations vary across regions in India, and the choice of colours can differ accordingly. In North India, bright and bold colours are more prevalent, while in South India, lighter and pastel shades may be favoured.


To this, Tanvi Somaiya, who is the Co-founder of The Bear House added, "Diwali is primarily associated with a vibrant colour palette featuring crimson red, emerald green, and cobalt blue as its core elements. Diwali is all about embracing these bold, primary colours that radiate energy and exuberance. These unique shades of the primary colours symbolise the very essence of Diwali."



"Moreover, when it comes to celebrating Diwali, we believe that pairing these lively hues with complementary tonal pieces is the most effective and aesthetically pleasing approach. These tonal elements not only add depth and richness to the overall look but also allow the primary colours to shine even more brilliantly," she added.


The Importance of Accessorising:


Accessorising in Diwali outfits for men is important because it adds a traditional and elegant touch, completes the look, and allows for personal expression. Accessories often carry cultural and symbolic value, enhancing the festive vibes and creating lasting memories. It's a way to respect tradition and add sophistication to the outfit.


Here are some ways men can accessorise their outfits:



  • Turban or Safa: A colourful and intricately designed turban or safa can be a prominent accessory, adding a traditional and regal touch to the outfit.

  • Stoles and Shawls: These can be draped elegantly over the shoulders, often featuring embroidery or embellishments that complement the outfit.

  • Brooches and Pins: Men can wear brooches or pins with religious or cultural symbols as a symbol of devotion and tradition.

  • Bracelets and Bangles: Wrist accessories, such as bracelets and bangles, can be adorned with Diwali-themed motifs and designs.

  • Rings: Rings with traditional or religious motifs can be worn on fingers to express cultural significance.

  • Footwear: Embellished or traditional footwear, such as juttis, mojaris, or Kolhapuri chappals, can add flair to the outfit.

  • Pocket Squares: A colorful or patterned pocket square can be placed in the chest pocket of a blazer or Nehru jacket to add a touch of sophistication.

  • Earrings: Men can wear traditional earrings or studs to enhance their look.

  • Watches: Elegant watches can serve both as a functional accessory and a style statement.


How Men Can Style Their Fusion Wear This Diwali


Sakshi Sinha, who is the Chief of Product, at Saundh suggested the following:



  • Mixing Traditional and Contemporary Elements: It’s really a lot of about the contemporary styling with traditional festive silhouettes. Opt for a knee-length kurta and avoid a very long one. Pair it with comfortable straight pant-trousers instead of churidar. Pairing with a quintessential festive waistcoat / bandis gives a perfect festive look and yet makes it semi-formal contemporary. 

  • Incorporating Ethnic Prints and Motifs: Opt for abstract and geometrical elements vs. a typical ethnic motif in your prints. For gold weaves, look for vertical lines that are infused with the yarn, or even gold thread motifs in abstract shapes and patterns. 

  • Balancing Proportions: Choose the length of your kurta as per your personal style. If it’s too long, balance it with slim-fit churidars. If it’s short, knee-length, pair it with comfortable trousers. One can also opt for a longer bandi / Nehru jacket to accentuate the whole look.

  • Choosing the Right Footwear: Men’s loafers with back straps or ethnic kolhapuri chappals are perfect for a semi-ethnic pairing. 

  • Cultural Sensitivity: One can pair their traditional clothing by cross-pairing it with a semi-formal outfit. One can flaunt their exclusive cultural looks and make it contemporary too with kurtas and footwear.