A choli from Surat, a chaniya from Vadodara, Navaratri glares from an online brand, metal handcuffs and a quirky musafir ring from an Instagram seller. Boxes arrive at my doorstep one after the other. I am already besotted with Navaratri bindis and tattoos, while hair accessories, haathphool and more still sit in my shopping cart. This festive season, I plan to go full swing with bling.
Putting together an outfit for garba is no longer just about finding a colourful chaniya-choli. There are nine nights and nine looks for enthusiasts. The preparations begin months in advance — with fabric, jewellery, makeup and accessories — planned well before the first beat of the dhol. For some, it is literally a year-round exercise.
People are experimenting with fabrics, designs and accessories, bringing new dimensions to garba fashion. For Rutvij Mistry, a queer professor in the Fine Arts Department at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara and a passionate garba dancer, fashion is an expression that transcends gender. Rutvij designs his own outfits and has been experimenting with layered costumes since 2014. His ensembles often feature two or three flared skirts, sometimes paired with a jacket, bringing together different fabrics and textures. For him, the joy lies as much in the layers as in the movement. “The heavier the costume, the more I enjoy dancing,” Rutvij says with a laugh.
For those who want to dance in style, preparations for the next Navaratri begin almost as soon as the current one ends. Finding the right fabrics and designs, and coordinating with the people who make the outfits, can be time-consuming. The costumes can be used for three to four years, but people keep finding new ways to restyle them.
Men are becoming as experimental as women when putting together their festive attire.
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A statement-making garba look is never complete without accessories that add an extra touch of festive glamour. For women, accessorising is a head-to-toe affair, with choices spanning the quirky and contemporary to the timeless charm of old-world elegance. For men, too, the variety is mind-boggling, beginning with the pagdi, a carefully considered element of the ensemble. Rutvij ties the pagdi himself and matches it with the outfit to elevate the look. “There is a cause behind this effort — supporting craftspeople,” says Rutvij, who regularly visits textile fairs or searches online for handlooms and handmade accessories. This year, Rutvij has zeroed in on large floral designs.
The growing popularity of garba and dandiya nights beyond Gujarat has created a market for festive fashion that extends far beyond local shops. In the days leading up to Navratri, scrolling online can feel like walking through the lanes of Surat and Rajkot. Enterprising sellers display chaniya choli sets, showcasing even the minutest details, take orders and ship outfits to customers across borders. Online shopping has made it easier for people living outside Gujarat to find the perfect garba attire.
Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Vadodara’s erstwhile royal family helms the Lukshmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba.
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Haathphool, ear cuffs, oversized rings, metal hand cuffs and decorative phone slings are also making their way into the festive wardrobe. Hair accessories such as embellished parandis, colourful scrunchies, hair bows, floral pieces and decorated hair chains are in this season. The idea is to make every detail complement the outfit, whether the overall mood is traditional or bohemian.
Tattoos, too, have become part of the festive look. Deepika Padukone’s neck tattoo in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela remains a major inspiration for those looking to stand out. There are ample brands that offer Navaratri-themed designs inspired by rangoli, traditional motifs and garba movements, including semi-permanent options.
Who can forget the nails? Social media is flooded with edgy Navaratri nail art, with decorative elements such as tiiny ghungroos threaded through a loop in nail extensions.
Not everyone follows garba fashion trends. Radhika Raje Gaekwad, a member of Vadodara’s erstwhile royal family who helms the Lukshmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba, is keen to preserve the form of garba she knows well.
Tradition gets a trendy makeover
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She recalls the intimate neighbourhood gatherings known as sheri garba, where people came together to sing, dance and pray in nooks and corners across Gujarat. As cities have grown, large venues, DJs, Bollywood tracks and elaborate stage productions have become part of the wider Navaratri scene.
According to Radhika, the traditional form continues to hold its ground in Vadodara. The music is sung live, without Bollywood tracks, and familiar steps such as Teen Taali and Dodhiyu remain central. The movements are simple enough for large groups to follow.
For Radhika, that sense of community is also a reason to use the festival as a platform for inclusion. The Lukshmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba welcomes people of all genders and opens its doors to LGBTQIA+ participants. For her, preserving garba is not limited to keeping its music and movements alive. By making space for people across genders and identities, she hopes to ensure that this centuries-old tradition remains relevant to a changing society.
Published – October 14, 2026 11:46 pm IST