Festival Dressing for Kids: Diwali, Navratri, Raksha Bandhan and Eid
Festivals are the one time of year children genuinely want to dress up. The trick is choosing outfits that hold up through a long day of food, family and running around.
Diwali
Diwali calls for shine — but remember there are diyas and candles everywhere. Choose outfits without long trailing dupattas or wide floor-length hems for younger children. Silk kurta sets, anarkalis and lehengas in gold, red, deep pink and emerald all photograph beautifully against evening light.
Navratri
Nine nights of garba means nine outfits' worth of movement. This is the moment for chaniya cholis with genuine flare — mirror work, bandhani prints, contrast dupattas. Prioritise breathable cotton and cotton-blend fabrics, because these are active nights. Secure the dupatta with pins so it doesn't fly off mid-dance.
Raksha Bandhan
A daytime, family-centred festival that suits lighter dressing. A simple printed kurta for brothers and a comfortable suit or short lehenga for sisters is plenty. Coordinated rather than matching outfits look lovely in photographs without feeling staged.
Eid
Eid dressing tends toward elegance and softer palettes — whites, pastels, soft golds. Sharara sets and anarkalis for girls, crisp kurta pyjamas or pathani sets for boys. Since Eid often involves visiting several homes in a day, comfort and easy footwear matter more than usual.
Three rules that apply to every festival
- Do a trial run. Have your child wear the outfit for twenty minutes a few days before. You'll find the scratchy label or the tight cuff in time to fix it.
- Pack a backup. Festival food and pale silk are natural enemies.
- Let them choose the colour. A child who picked their own outfit will wear it happily; one who didn't will fight you at 6 pm.
Find festival-ready ethnic wear for boys and girls at Picco Ricco.



