Karwa Chauth and Teej are two festivals many married women look forward to all year. They’re about fasting, prayer, family and dressing up with your friends and relatives. If you’re after Karwa Chauth outfit ideas or something special for Teej, here are some looks to think about, along with a few practical tips for the day.
Karwa Chauth outfit ideas
On Karwa Chauth, married women fast from sunrise until they see the moon at night, praying for their husband’s long life. It’s widely celebrated in North India, and many women dress much like a bride, with full jewellery, mehndi and sindoor.
Because it’s such a special day, rich and festive outfits are the norm.
- Saree: a red, maroon or pink saree is a classic choice. A ready-to-wear saree is easier to manage when you’re tired from fasting.
- Lehenga: great for a community puja or an evening get-together with friends.
- Anarkali or suit: comfortable for sitting through the puja, with plenty of room for a heavier dupatta.
See our ready-to-wear sarees, which start at around $110–$120, and our lehengas.
Colours for Karwa Chauth
Red is the most traditional colour, as it’s linked with marriage and good luck. But you don’t have to stick to red. Popular choices include:
- Red, maroon and deep wine.
- Pink, from rani to soft rose.
- Orange and gold.
- Green, for a fresh change.
Pair your outfit with red and gold bangles, a bindi and your favourite jewellery. If you got married recently, you might want to wear part of your bridal outfit, like the dupatta or jewellery.
Teej outfit ideas
Teej is celebrated by women in many parts of North India and Nepal, and there are a few different Teej festivals during the monsoon months. It’s a celebration of Goddess Parvati, marriage and the rainy season, with fasting, singing, swings and mehndi.
Green is the colour most people link with Hariyali Teej, as it reflects the fresh greenery of the monsoon. Red, pink, yellow and orange are also common. In Rajasthan, wave-patterned leheriya prints are a popular choice.
- Green or leheriya-style saree: bright, festive and traditional.
- Light lehenga: lovely for singing and dancing with friends.
- Kurti or suit: comfortable for a long day, and easy to dress up with a bright dupatta.
Browse our women’s suits and kurtis for lighter Teej looks.
Tips for a comfortable fasting day
Fasting can leave you feeling tired, so comfort matters even more than usual.
- Choose a lighter fabric so you’re not weighed down by a heavy outfit all day.
- A pre-stitched saree saves time and stays in place without constant fixing.
- Get your mehndi done a day or two before so it’s dark on the day.
- Lay out your outfit, jewellery and puja thali the night before.
- In Melbourne, the evenings can be chilly, so bring a warm shawl for the moon sighting outdoors.
- Wear comfortable footwear, since you may be standing for the puja.
For more on getting into a ready-to-wear saree quickly, see our guide on how to wear a ready-to-wear saree.
Dressing up together
Many women celebrate these festivals with a group of friends, sisters-in-law or the local community. Some groups pick a shared colour, like all red for Karwa Chauth or all green for Teej. It makes for beautiful group photos and is a fun way to plan together.
If you’re coordinating outfits for a group, start early so everyone can find their size and shade.
We have many more sarees, lehengas and suits in store than on our website, and many of our designs are our own. WhatsApp us on 0450 649 304 and tell us the colour you’re after, and we’ll send photos. Book a time to try them on at our Aintree store, arrange a free pickup, or have your outfit delivered anywhere in Australia for $16.