Festival guide

What to wear at Diwali

The festival of light — jewel tones, gold, candlelight, generations gathered.

Diwali (Deepavali, in southern traditions) is the Indian festival of light, celebrated over five days in October or November. The most important night is Lakshmi Puja, when families clean and light the house, share sweets with neighbours, and gather for a celebratory dinner. Whether you're hosting, visiting, or attending a corporate Diwali function, dress for warm light and the cameras that come with it.

What it is

Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists — about a billion people globally.
Five-day festival; most diaspora celebrate the main night (Lakshmi Puja) with extended family dinner.
Increasingly a workplace and community event — corporate Diwalis, community functions, friend gatherings.
Lights, sweets, gambling card games for fun, fireworks (where legal), and dressing up.

What to wear

By who you are.

If you're a woman

A festive saree or anarkali in jewel tones — emerald, ruby, sapphire, gold.
A modern kurta set in silk or chanderi for less formal gatherings.
Lots of gold jewellery is appropriate — Diwali is the one day to wear all of it.

If you're a man

A festive kurta with churidar — silk, with subtle zari work.
Bandhgala or short sherwani for hosted dinners or corporate functions.
Closed mojaris in tan or oxblood.

Dress code · do & don’t

· Lean into jewel tones — this is the festival for colour.
· Wear gold jewellery if you have it (Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, is honoured at Diwali).
· Coordinate with family if attending a hosted dinner.

Don’t

· Don't wear all-black.
· Don't show up in jeans + kurta hybrid to a Lakshmi Puja — full traditional is appropriate.

What we’d suggest

Curated for diwali.

Placeholder atelier image — commissioned photography arrives before launch

Festive Banarasi Anarkali

From $1,220.00

Limited

Emerald Banarasi Sangeet Saree

From $950.00

Jade Kanjivaram Co-ord Set

From $1,650.00

Common questions

Things we get asked.

When is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November. The five-day celebration runs 6-10 November. Plan custom-stitch orders 6+ weeks in advance.

Is corporate Diwali a thing?

Increasingly yes, especially in Australian cities with large South Asian workforces. Dress code is typically 'festive' — kurta sets and sarees, less heavy than wedding wear.

Still unsure what to pick?

Message Ketki on WhatsApp with the event date, the venue, and what you usually wear. She’ll suggest two or three pieces.

Message Ketki Read the first-time guide