What to Wear for Dussehra: Best Sarees, Lehengas and Festive Colors

by Mallavva Raddi · Published September 18, 2026 · Updated September 18, 2026

Dasara is one of the festivals that can be considered one of the liveliest and richest festivals of India. Marked by devotion, music, rituals, reunions, and events, the Dasara festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Apart from the significance associated with the festival on religious and cultural grounds, it also presents an opportunity for people to adopt the traditional fashion of India.

The traditional Indian clothes like saree and lehenga are some of the most gorgeous clothing options for celebrating the Dasara festival. With a wide range of silk sarees and heavily embellished lehengas, you can choose an appropriate dress for marking the festive occasion of Dasara.

Why Dasara Is Celebrated?

Dasara, which is also known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami, is observed towards the end of Navratri season. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. While in several places in India, it signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, in other places, it is a symbol of the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura.

Dasara is celebrated in a different manner in India according to the region. One of the most famous festivals of Dasara is that of Mysuru Dasara, which is known for its extravagant celebrations.

The festive mood makes Dasara the perfect time to wear ethnic clothes. You can wear your ethnic attire whether you are celebrating with your family, visiting a temple, attending a cultural event, or any kind of festive gathering.

Colors for Navaratri Sarees and Lehengas

Orange: Wear an orange colored silk saree or a lehenga to look lively.
White: Go for white saree with gold zari design or wear a white lehenga to look elegant.
Red: The color red is traditionally worn during festivals like Navaratri. A red colored Kanchipuram silk saree or embellished lehenga should be tried on.
Royal Blue: Wear a royal blue saree or a lehenga with intricate work done in gold or silver colors for a regal festive look.
Yellow: Wear yellow saree or lehengas that are ideal to be worn during the day time.
Green: Green outfits including emerald, bottle green or pista green can be complemented with gold jewelry.
Grey: Wear a metallic embroidered grey saree or lehenga for an elegant festive look.
Purple: Purple silk saree or lehenga will help you achieve a rich and graceful look.
Peacock Green: It is an attractive color that looks good with traditional gold jewelry.

Sarees for Dasara Festival

The saree is among the most classic options when dressing up for Dasara. Not only does it have the beauty of tradition, but it also allows you to experiment with various colors and styles of embroidery, fabric, and borders.

1. Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

Wearing a Kanchipuram silk saree will be an ideal option for the traditional Dasara festival. The royal silk saree with zari borders looks very elegant.

Colors such as red, maroon, mustard, green, pink, purple, and royal blue are good options. Combine a classic silk saree with traditional jewellery, bun, and flowers.

2. Banarasi Silk Sarees

Another pretty choice of saree to wear to the festival is the Banarasi silk sarees. Due to their elaborate zari work and rich texture, these sarees can be worn for either daytime or evening festivities.

Red, wine, emerald, royal blue, purple and gold colored sarees would make a festive look. Wearing a blouse in contrasting color adds a contemporary twist to the traditional attire.

3. Tissue Sarees

If you are looking for something that is both festive and lightweight, then the tissue saree may be a good option to consider. The sheen in it lends a festive look to the dress without compromising on elegance.

There are several colors which go well with jewelry like gold, beige, light pink, pastel green, peach, and soft yellow tissue sarees.

4. Sarees made from Organza

Organza sarees are perfect for women who favor light and modern traditional wear. These sarees can be embellished with zari, embroidery, sequin, flowers, or border.

Pastel colors are great for day-time occasions, whereas jewel colors work better at night.

Lehengas for Dasara

Lehengas are great for women who seek to get themselves dressed up in a festive attire that is young and glamorous as well.

1. Embroidered Lehengas

Embroidery can help you get a festive look instantly. Opt for those lehengas which have embroidery done in zari, sequins, beads, pearls, stones, cutdana, or embroidery.

Colors that can go well for Dasara are maroon, red, emerald green, navy blue, royal purple, and mustard.

2. Tissue Lehengas

If you are looking for something that gives a subtle shimmer, then the tissue lehenga is the perfect pick. The material is light and luxurious at the same time.

You can opt for golden, champagne, beige, blush pink, peach, and pastel green. Add traditional earrings and a light pendant along with the lehenga.

3. Silk Lehengas

The beauty of silk lehengas lies in their traditional appearance. They can be worn during major Dasara festivities, family occasions, and evening events.

For a regal feel in your festivity, you can choose a red, green, blue, purple, or mustard silk lehenga with zari embroidery.

4. Lightweight Lehengas

For ladies looking for comfort, light weight lehengas will suit them well. Fabrics like net, georgette, organza, and other light weight fabrics may be used to keep up with the festivity of the dress.

Go for a semi-embellished lehenga with a plain blouse and dupatta.

Best Colors to Wear for Dasara

Festive dressing involves wearing different colors. The Dasara festival is a festival of positivity, piety, and prosperity; therefore, vibrant colors are especially appropriate.

Royal Red

Red is among the most popular festive colors. Red symbolizes energy, power, and celebration. You can rock a red silk saree or a golden embellished lehenga for Dasara.

Sunshine Grace

Yellow symbolizes happiness and positivity. Yellow and mustard colored sarees/lehengas can be great picks for any day-time event.

Evergreen Elegance

This color symbolizes freshness, wealth, and peace. The shades of emerald, bottle green, pista, and olive can be paired with gold ornaments or zari work.

Royal Blue Elegance

Royal Blue gives a look that is refined and regal. A saree made out of blue silk with zari borders, or a lehenga in blue decorated form, may look graceful in the evenings.

Pretty in Pink

There is a softness to pink. Bright pinks, magenta, roses, and blushing shades may be great for sarees and lehengas.

Maroon Majesty

Maroon is an age-old color used during celebrations to make ethnic attires look opulent. Maroon Sarees and lehengas with gold work are best suited for evening occasions.

Golden Elegance

Gold plays a prominent part in Indian festive attire. You don’t necessarily have to wear all-gold clothes; rather, you can pick some gold elements like gold zari, embroidery, borders, or embroidery.

Styles for Your Dasara Dress

Accessories can finish your dress up. To go with a silk saree, think about wearing gold jewelry, jhumkas, bangles, and a plain necklace. You can go with statement earrings and a maang tikka for a lehenga.

If you have sarees, then a traditional bun along with flower decorations can be perfect. You can also try a braid that has flower accessories. In case you wish to opt for a modern look, you can go with soft waves for a lehenga.

When it comes to footwear, choose something that is comfy enough for going to temples, meeting families, or attending festive parties.

Comfort Goes Hand-in-Hand with Style

Festive dresses are not just supposed to look good but also feel good. You need to keep in mind the time period, weather conditions, and amount of movement required while choosing an outfit for Dasara.

In case of day-long events, it is wise to choose lightweight sarees and lehengas. Heavy silks and heavily embroidered dresses can be chosen for evening parties.

It is also important to focus on the proper fit of the blouse and the way the saree is worn.

Celebrate Dasara in Style

Dasara is an excellent chance for you to enjoy celebrating the Indian culture by means of fashion. It does not matter whether you prefer a traditional Kanchipuram silk saree, a beautiful Banarasi saree, a light tissue saree, or a beautiful embroidered lehenga – what matters most is the choice of outfit according to your taste.

Deep shades like red, yellow, green, maroon, royal blue, pink, and gold can add an element of vibrancy to your Dasara wardrobe. To complement your attire, you may add some traditional jewellery, comfy footwear, and even a hairstyle matching your outfit.

This Dasara season, have fun with a combination of traditions and your unique style.

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