Men’s Guide to Navratri Looks: Kurtas, Jackets, and Beyond

Navratri in India is much more than a religious festival. It is nine nights of energy, devotion, and dance, where colours and music blend with tradition. Every evening, people come together for Garba and Dandiya, and the atmosphere feels electric. While women have long been celebrated for their dazzling lehengas and chaniya cholis, men are no longer sticking to one plain kurta year after year. Today, festive fashion for men is evolving, and Navratri has become the perfect occasion to showcase it.

Across cities, from Ahmedabad to Mumbai and Delhi to smaller towns, one can spot men experimenting with silhouettes, colours, and accessories. Some keep it traditional, others prefer Indo-western twists, and a few don’t shy away from bold choices. What unites them is the spirit of celebration, and the desire to look their best while enjoying the beats of the dhol.

No matter how fashion changes, the kurta remains the heart of Indian menswear. It carries a sense of tradition and spirituality while also being versatile enough to adapt to new trends. For Navratri nights, the kurta is not just clothing—it becomes a statement.

This year, the focus is on vibrant shades rather than muted tones. Bright yellows, rich greens, deep blues, and fiery reds capture the festive mood better than any pastel. A well-fitted kurta in cotton or linen works beautifully for long hours of dancing, while silk or brocade kurtas add a touch of regality for temple visits or family gatherings. Designers are also experimenting with asymmetric cuts, high-low hemlines, and embroidered necklines, giving the simple kurta a modern spin.

Pairing is equally important. Traditional churidars never go out of style, but slim trousers or even denims are being embraced by younger men who want comfort without compromising the look. The message is clear—kurtas may be timeless, but they don’t have to be boring.



If there’s one element that has transformed men’s festive wear in recent years, it’s the jacket. A plain kurta can be instantly elevated with the right layering, and that’s why Nehru jackets, bandhgalas, and printed short coats are dominating Navratri looks.

The Nehru jacket, in particular, has become a favourite because of its balance between tradition and modernity. Worn over a simple kurta, it adds structure and personality without being overwhelming. For men who prefer something bolder, floral prints, geometric designs, and textured fabrics bring variety. On the other end, the bandhgala jacket, once reserved for weddings, is slowly making its way into Navratri wardrobes, especially for those who like a royal and formal vibe.

These jackets are not just about fashion—they are also practical. Nights can get cooler, and a jacket keeps you comfortable while maintaining the festive flair. It is no wonder that men are increasingly investing in them.

Tradition may be the soul of Navratri, but fashion is about self-expression. This is where Indo-western styles come in. Across college campuses and metropolitan dance arenas, men are seen wearing kurtas with jeans, dhotis with sneakers, or layered ensembles that combine Indian fabrics with Western cuts.

This fusion approach is especially popular among younger participants who want to dance freely without the weight of heavy fabrics. A pathani kurta paired with casual shoes or a longline jacket over slim pants makes for a look that is both rooted and experimental. Even sneakers, once considered inappropriate for ethnic wear, are now proudly worn with bright kurtas, proving that comfort can coexist with style

Navratri fashion has always been about colour and joy, so there is no rulebook that says fusion is wrong. In fact, it reflects the evolving identity of Indian youth, who respect tradition while embracing modernity.

One of the most exciting aspects of Navratri is its colour code—each day is associated with a specific shade, and many people follow it faithfully. While women have been more consistent in keeping up with these colours, men are now also stepping into the trend. Wearing the colour of the day instantly connects one to the collective spirit of the festival.

For instance, a navy-blue kurta on the first day feels just right, while a mustard-yellow outfit on the fifth day reflects the vibrancy of celebration. Reds, purples, and greens dominate the later days, making the dance arenas look like moving canvases. For men, adopting this practice adds variety to their wardrobe and ensures that each day of Navratri feels unique. It is also a wonderful way to show involvement and respect for the festival.

Fashion may be about appearances, but during Navratri, practicality matters just as much. Garba and Dandiya can go on for hours, and wearing something restrictive can dampen the fun. This is why fabrics and fits play a crucial role in men’s choices.

Cotton and linen kurtas are popular because they allow the skin to breathe. Loose churidars or pyjamas make dancing easier, while straight pants or jeans prevent constant adjusting. Jackets, as stylish as they are, should ideally be chosen in lightweight fabrics if one plans to wear them through the night. Some men even carry their jackets just for the entry and initial photographs, leaving themselves free to dance without the extra layer later.

The golden rule is simple: style should never come at the cost of comfort. After all, Navratri is not a fashion show—it is a festival of joy and movement.

Clothes may be the most visible aspect of style, but grooming ties the entire look together. A neatly trimmed beard, styled hair, and a dash of fragrance can leave a lasting impression. Many men are also experimenting with subtle accessories—oxidised kadas, rings, or even colourful stoles draped across the shoulders. These small additions may seem minor, but they make the outfit more personal.

Footwear, too, plays an important role. Traditional mojris and Kolhapuris remain the classic choice, but younger men are not afraid to mix it up with loafers or sneakers. The idea is to complement the outfit while ensuring comfort during long hours of standing and dancing.

Bollywood, as always, provides a rich source of inspiration. Ranveer Singh has made daring Indo-western looks mainstream, while actors like Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal often choose elegant kurtas with understated jackets. Regional stars, particularly from Gujarat, also showcase traditional attire during Garba events, offering men a glimpse of authentic yet stylish dressing.

These celebrity looks serve as reminders that festive fashion is not about blindly copying trends but about adapting them in ways that reflect one’s own personality.

At the heart of it, Navratri dressing is about more than fabrics and colours. It is about participation, respect, and joy. Men who once believed festive dressing was only for women are now realising that their attire, too, can be a form of celebration. A carefully chosen kurta or a stylish jacket is not vanity—it is an expression of involvement.

Fashion during Navratri is not about impressing others; it is about feeling confident, comfortable, and connected to the moment. Whether one chooses a simple cotton kurta or a bold Indo-western set, the only rule is to wear it with happiness.

As Navratri nights fill the air with music and movement, men’s fashion is carving out its rightful space in the spotlight. From timeless kurtas to layered jackets and experimental fusion wear, the options are endless. Colours, accessories, and grooming all add to the final picture.

What matters most, however, is the balance of tradition and individuality. Men today are no longer content with blending into the background—they are embracing festive dressing as a chance to express themselves. And that is perhaps the truest reflection of Navratri itself: a festival where everyone, regardless of gender, finds joy in rhythm, colour, and community.