Durga Puja is a time for dressing up, meeting loved ones and spending hours hopping between pandals. And if the celebrities at Mumbai’s North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja celebrations are anything to go by, a good outfit is very much part of the fun.
On October 18, Mahaashtami brought several familiar faces to the pandal, including Kajol, her sister Tanishaa Mukerji, Nysa and Yug Devgan, Jaya Bachchan and Mouni Roy. Director Ayan Mukerji was also spotted at the celebrations. But let’s talk about the clothes. Kajol arrived in a striking red saree, Nysa went for a delicate yellow ensemble, while Jaya chose bright pink and Tanishaa kept things elegant in pastel blue. Mouni, meanwhile, made a case for mustard yellow and traditional jewellery. Each look had its own personality, and there were plenty of ideas to borrow for your own festive wardrobe. When it comes to festive dressing, Kajol clearly knows what works for her. The actor chose a rich red saree from Anavila, decorated with delicate gold geometric lines and floral motifs. The saree had enough detail to stand out without looking too busy. She paired it with a matching short-sleeved blouse featuring a deep neckline, keeping the overall look traditional but not dated. Her jewellery added just the right amount of sparkle. Kajol wore a statement kundan choker with matching earrings and finished the look with a small red bindi. Her hair was neatly tied in a bun, while warm-toned makeup and softly defined eyes kept things simple.
What I like about this look is that nothing feels overdone. The saree makes the statement, the jewellery adds a festive touch, and everything else stays in the background. It’s the sort of outfit that works beautifully for a puja without needing too much fuss. Nysa Devgan went for something softer, stepping out in a pale yellow ethnic outfit from Archana Jaju. The ensemble featured colourful embroidery around the neckline, along the borders and on the dupatta. The light shade gave it a fresh, daytime feel, while the embroidered details kept it from looking too simple. She paired the outfit with statement earrings, a necklace and a delicate bindi. The accessories worked well with the embroidery rather than competing with it. And honestly, pale yellow is a lovely choice for festive wear. It’s a little different from the usual reds and pinks, but still looks dressed up enough for a family celebration. If you’re someone who prefers lighter colours, Nysa’s outfit is worth saving for inspiration. Yug Devgan wore a red kurta, which tied in nicely with Kajol’s saree. The family looked coordinated without everyone wearing the same colour from head to toe. Jaya Bachchan brought a splash of colour to the celebrations in a bright pink saree with a contrasting border. Her styling stayed firmly rooted in traditional Indian wear. She added long layered necklaces, earrings and bangles, giving the saree a richer finish without taking away from its colour. There’s something lovely about a bright pink saree at a festive gathering. It doesn’t need too much embroidery or an elaborate silhouette to get noticed. The colour itself does most of the work. Jaya’s look is also a reminder that you don’t always need to follow the latest fashion trend to dress well for a celebration. Sometimes, a classic saree and jewellery you love are all you need. Tanishaa Mukerji chose a much cooler shade for the occasion While Kajol went for red. She wore a pastel blue saree with a broad silver border, paired with a matching blouse. The colour was understated, but the silver detailing gave the outfit enough shine to feel festive. Tanishaa kept her accessories relatively simple, letting the saree’s border and drape do the talking. Statement earrings, neatly styled hair and subtle makeup completed the look. Pastels can sometimes feel a little too understated for a big celebration, but the right border or a striking piece of jewellery can change that. Tanishaa’s outfit got that balance right. It’s also a good option for anyone who wants to wear a saree for Durga Puja but isn’t particularly drawn to bright colours or heavy embellishments. Mouni Roy took a more dramatic approach to festive dressing in a mustard-yellow saree with delicate gold detailing and a contrasting border. She paired it with a matching blouse and traditional jewellery, including earrings, bangles and a statement maang tikka. Her voluminous updo, defined eyes and bindi added to the look, giving it a distinctly festive feel. The mustard shade was a nice change from the more familiar red and pink combinations. It’s warm, rich and works particularly well with gold jewellery. And while the saree itself had plenty of character, the accessories gave it that extra dressed-up feel. Mouni didn’t shy away from jewellery, but the overall look still felt tied together. If you have a plain mustard or yellow saree sitting in your wardrobe, this is a good reminder that the right jewellery and hairstyle can make it feel entirely different. What made the fashion at this year’s Durga Puja celebrations interesting was that everyone approached it differently. Kajol went with a rich red saree and kundan jewellery. Nysa kept things light in pale yellow, Jaya chose bright pink, Tanishaa opted for pastel blue, and Mouni brought in mustard yellow with a more dramatic styling choice. There was no single formula, and that’s probably the best thing about festive fashion. You can wear a heavily embroidered outfit if that’s your style, or keep things simple with a saree you already own. You can go all out with jewellery, or let the fabric and colour do the work. Both approaches can look just as good.
So, if you’re still figuring out what to wear for the next festive gathering, these looks offer a few easy ideas. Pick a colour you feel good in, find a saree or suit that suits your style, and don’t feel pressured to make every detail perfect. Sometimes, the outfits that work best are the ones that feel the most like you.