Diwali outfits for men: traditional kurta and modern shirt options, three budgets with real brands, and what to wear to puja and parties.
Updated 10 Oct 2026
Diwali is the one festival where almost every man wears a kurta. You have two good options. The traditional one is a silk or cotton kurta with a pyjama. The modern one is a plain shirt with a Nehru jacket, or a fitted kurta with dark jeans. Both work. Pick one and wear it well. This guide shows what to buy at three budgets, what to wear to puja and to the party, and what not to waste money on.
Traditional is a kurta and pyjama in a jewel tone: maroon, navy, emerald, mustard, or deep blue. Silk blends and cotton silk look rich in puja photos. Modern is a short kurta in cotton or linen with dark jeans and juttis, or a plain shirt with a printed Nehru jacket. If your family is traditional, go traditional for the puja and modern for the evening party. Fit decides the look. A kurta that ends mid-thigh and fits the shoulder looks sharp.
Diwali falls in October or November. North India is cool at night, so carry a jacket or shawl. In Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore the days stay warm. Choose cotton silk over pure silk. You will stand near diyas and lights, so avoid synthetic fabrics that melt or catch. Pick breathable cotton and linen blends.
Prices below are approximate. Manyavar and Fabindia carry the best festive kurtas for men. Both are on Myntra and Ajio.
Budget under 1,500 for the kurta and pyjama
Solid colour in a rich tone. Simple is fine when the family photo is the point.
Budget 1,500 to 4,000 for the kurta set
Manyavar gives a clean silk-blend finish. It also arrives well fitted from Myntra.
Budget 4,000 to 10,000 for the jacket and kurta
A printed jacket over a solid kurta looks like you planned it. It also works at weddings.
Dhanteras shopping needs a comfortable cotton kurta and good walking shoes. Puja needs a traditional kurta in a rich colour. Card night needs a soft kurta or a plain shirt you can sit in for hours. Bhai Dooj needs a fresh kurta, often coordinated with siblings. Do not wear heavy perfume near diyas.
Fit is the cheapest upgrade you can buy. A kurta should end at mid-thigh or just below the hip for a modern look. The shoulder seam should sit on the edge of your shoulder, not halfway down your arm. Sleeves should reach the wrist bone. If you cannot lift your arms to touch a diya, the armholes are too tight. Most tailors in India take in a kurta in a day for about ₹300. Do it. Then press the kurta the night before. A creased silk blend reads as tired, even when the colour is perfect. Finally, check the pyjama length. It should touch the top of the shoe, with a small bunch at most. A pyjama that drags on the floor ruins a good kurta in every photo.
Stop buying a new kurta every year in the same colour. Stop buying glittery fabric that itches. Stop buying pointed party shoes you cannot walk in. Add one jacket and one pair of juttis instead.
Get a haircut before the festival, oil or beard balm for the beard, and light cologne.
A kurta and pyjama in a rich colour is the classic choice. A short kurta with dark jeans or a plain shirt with a Nehru jacket works well for the modern look.
Avoid all black and plain white for puja. Choose maroon, navy, emerald, mustard, or deep blue instead.
Myntra and Ajio stock Manyavar, Fabindia, and Raymond kurtas. Order early. Popular sizes sell out two weeks before Diwali.
Yes. Use a short kurta with dark jeans and juttis. Avoid long kurtas with jeans. They look unbalanced.
Updated 10 Oct 2026
Updated 10 Oct 2026
Updated 10 Oct 2026
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