Ganpati pandal. (DC Image)

There is a new runway on the block which doesn’t require you to go to Paris or New York. During Ganpati festival, Mumbai has its own fashion week — and it begins at the pandal. Pandal-hopping is no longer just about ticking off the city's most famous Bappas. It has become a social outing, a family tradition and, for many, a full-blown style opportunity.

Pandal Dress Code

Mumbai’s Ganpati season has always had a strong fashion element, but social media has turned those festive looks into content. A saree that might once have existed only in a family photograph now gets its own spotlight. A particularly good kurta becomes a reel. And the pandal — with its flowers, lights, ornate backdrops and, of course, Bappa himself — becomes the perfect natural set.

For women, Indian attire is one of the most celebrated forms of femininity— it’s the undisputed champion of fashion. From the materials to lightweight silk, cotton-silk, organza and carefully folded drapes that make a 360-degree difference on how six meters of fabric can create a graceful statement.

For those who prefer something less formal, the kurta set is garnering attention this monsoon. Peach anarkalis to straight-cut kurtas, shararas and palazzo sets offer the perfect combination of festive and functional looks!

A Riot Of Colours

Colours like rani pink, teal, royal purple and mustard yellow are making a statement this season. With many women wanting to have a personalized design of Ganpati stitched on the blouse or saree. Lotus, ladoos, Shiv, Parvati and moushak have become common figures that are placed either on the back of the blouse, pallu of the saree and ends of the dupatta.

“I think by adding bits and pieces of Lord Ganesha's story to your outfits makes it more personalized and more heartfelt,” adds Leela Pandey, a tailor.

Pandals hopping not only gives one an idea of dressing, but also makes one aware of recent fashion trends. From gold jewellery to multi-colour earrings, there is a growing love for softer shades — ivory, beige, blush, powder blue and muted pastels.

The trick is not necessarily to be the brightest person in the pandal. It is to be the person whose outfit works with the background.

Big Style Statement

Jhumkas, chandbalis, temple jewellery, pearl chains, chokers, layered necklaces and mang tikas are all part of the festival game — the bigger question lies in which statement you want to choose. If the earrings are dramatic, keep the necklace quiet. If you are wearing a chunky choker, perhaps let the bangles take the day off.

A simple ivory kurta with antique gold earrings can look far more polished

than an outfit covered in embroidery from neckline to hem. “Ganpati is

not just darshan anymore — it’s darshan, dressing up and getting the perfect photo dump.” says Preeti singh, a commerce student.

Best Foot Forward

Shoes play an important role, heels are wonderful — until you have to walk through crowded lanes, stand in queues, dodge puddles and climb over absolutely nothing, while trying not to lose your balance. Comfortable juttis, kolhapuris, embellished flats and dressy sandals are therefore having a practical moment. “I dress for Bappa, but I’m not going to lie — the photo dump is part of the plan,” adds Neeti Desai, a homemaker.

Pixel Perfect Dress

There is, of course, a line between dressing up for the festival and turning the festival into a fashion event. Ganpati is ultimately about faith, community and coming together. The outfit is part of the celebration, not the celebration itself. “The outfit matters, but it has to survive the crowds, the heat and a few kilometres of walking. Style is great; comfort is better,” states Veer Rathod, an interior designer.

Perhaps that is why the best festive looks feel personal rather than overly styled. A grandmother's saree. A mother's old jewellery. A kurta bought especially for Bappa. A Paithani saree borrowed from home. Flowers tucked into a bun because that's what someone in the family has always done.

Fashion becomes more interesting when there is a story behind it and that may be Mumbai’s real Ganpati style secret. You don't need a designer label. You need a little colour, a little sparkle, something comfortable enough to survive the crowds — and a willingness to pose when someone says: “Wait, wait, one more picture!”

I think by adding bits and pieces of Lord Ganesha’s story to your outfits makes it more personalized and more heartfelt.”

— Leela Pandey, Designer Tailor

Ganpati is not just darshan anymore — it’s darshan, dressing up and getting the perfect photo dump.”

— Preeti Singh, Commerce Student

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