Navratri in India isn't just about celebrating good over evil. It's the celebration of culture, colors, and brotherhood across the country. It is the time of year when dance, fashion, and traditions come together under open skies for nine days straight for “The Garba night.”

Garba is a traditional dance form originating from Gujarat. For the people of Gujarat, Garba is not just a dance but an emotion. The main reason people across India wait for Navratri all year is to dress up in traditional outfits and show some Garba moves.

Don't Know What to Wear at Your Next Garba Night?

To all the beautiful ladies out there, here's the outfit guide for your next garba night.

The typical garba outfit for ladies is called a chaniya choli which is usually paired alongside some ravishing accessories.

The Choli

It's the traditional fitted Indian blouse worn with the outfit. It comes in different fabrics (cotton, georgette, net, silk), usually embroidered with sequins or metal.

The sleeves, neck designs, and back can be styled as per your preference. It could be full sleeve or sleeveless, round neck or boat neck, backless or dori work, that is, it could be tied back with laces attached.

It's a mixture of tradition and trend.

The Chaniya

The chaniya is a long, flared skirt styled with the choli. It comes in various colours and designs. When you dance, your chaniya twirls with you beautifully and makes you feel like a queen.

The Dupatta

It is a long scarf, which you pair with your chaniya-choli.Tuck it into your choli around the waist or drape it over your blouse. The dupatta can be contrasting to your outfit. The heavier the work on the scarf, the more it complements your outfit.

Accessories

To complete your look, accessories play a major role. Silver jewelry is typically worn to accentuate and add sparkle to the look.

Garba outfits are usually adorned with chokers, matching earrings, and beautiful bangles crafted with mirror work to ward off negativity and protect the wearer.

Don't forget to put on your sneakers (for comfort) or you can also go for jutis (flat embroidered footwear).

Women aren’t the only ones who have fun dressing up for the occasion! Men also have the right to enjoy the tradition and look their best.

We also have a traditional garba outfit for them; it's called kediyu and dhoti.

The Kediyu

It's the upper garment worn by men, fitted at the chest and flared at the waist with side tie-ups. It comes with full embroidery or mirror work in bright colors and comfortable fabrics such as cotton.

The Dhoti

The dhoti marks comfort, elegance, and cultural significance. It is a long piece of cloth (4-5 meters) which is wrapped around the waist and legs. Dhotis nowadays are stitched, and borders or embroidery are added to some for style.

Accessories

Men can complete their look with pagdis (traditional turbans) and mojris (unique embroidered footwear).

So, ladies and gentlemen, you are all set for the garba night. Own the dance floor, twirl around in your beautifully embroidered, colorful outfits, and enjoy the beauty of Indian culture under the starlight. Make the night a memorable one.