Diwali's happiness isn’t limited to crackers and sweets, which we often relate to this ‘festival of lights’. It’s a time when close relatives and friends join each other dressed up in colorful clothes. Starting from the diyas or earthen lamps and the beautifully decorated rangolis, colors add a symbolic representation to the Diwali celebrations. It does not end here. These Diwali colors to wear hold more importance than what one can observe. Every shade represents the historical and religious Indian background and every clothing related to each shade comes with its vibe.
In this blog post, let’s learn about the significance of colors in Diwali across Indian culture and religion along with some style tips about what color clothes to wear on Diwali to look dazzling this festive season.
Understanding the Religious & Cultural Significance of Diwali Colors
Colors in Indian culture are used not just for aesthetics- instead, it is a form of sentiment, a meaning, and of course – a tradition. Every color has a different symbolism in the religious scriptures, fables, and even astronomy science. Some of the colors worn on Diwali are believed to attract specific energies, help acquire luck, and even link the wearer to Gods.
Let's explore the meaning behind some of the most prominent Diwali colors:
Gold: The Colour of Prosperity and Divinity
The color of gold is precious during Diwali as it is associated with wealth, power, and divinity. Gold is particularly valued in Hindu culture because it is closely linked to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Success. The brightness of gold represents luck and prosperity and it is used everywhere during Diwali from home decorations to the clothes people wear. As for the roster of associations, gold may be a symbol of religion, good health, wisdom, and luxury.
It is considered good luck to wear clothes or accessories of color gold during the day. In fact, during Diwali people, especially families, purchase ornaments made of gold jewelry/coins to attract wealth for the coming year.
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Red: The Colour of Power, Passion, and Love
Red is one of the most important colors in the Indian context because it marks power and strength. It is also associated with good fortune. Often linked with ‘Shakti’ which depicts women's power, red is used especially in weddings, functions, and festivals to bring energy and luck. Red symbolizes love and fertility and therefore adorns weddings, newborn children, and Diwali as well - illustrating both the festive heat of the occasion and the joy of family reunion.
Putting on red symbolizes the celebration’s advocacy of the victory of light over everything evil, just like Diwali.
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Yellow: The Colour of Knowledge and Optimism
Yellow color represents knowledge, learning, and mental clarity according to Indian culture as yellow is the color of the sun. It is a color that is associated with divinity, especially Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. In Diwali, yellow stands for the light, the hope of a better tomorrow, and the festive spirit.
The yellow color helps one to have positive thoughts and promotes creativity and good mental health. The color also signifies the nourishment of the soul, much like the sun nourishes life on Earth.
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Pink: The Colour of Happiness and Romance
Pink color is associated with gentleness, affection, and passion. In Indian tradition, this color is related to happiness, love, and a new start, which makes it an ideal choice during Diwali festivity. Like red and at the same time not as aggressive, pink attracts people to celebrations that are both lively and peaceful.
Wearing pink during Diwali makes one feel the vibe of love and harmony during group or family gatherings. This color is perfectly suitable for a feeling of happiness and can be worn in the most gentle pastel or the brightest pink one.
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Green: The Colour of Nature and New Beginnings
Green is a revered color in Indian culture because it symbolizes life, rebirth, and equilibrium. It is associated with nature and represents rebirth and new life. It is also linked with the heart chakra, which controls emotions like love and compassion. Wearing green during Diwali is specific to that festival, as green symbolizes living together in harmony, and peace, and getting a clean rendezvous during this festival.
As Green is related to renewal, it is ideal for use by those who want to move on from the old and embrace new opportunities. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world, which is also an idea associated with the concept of the festival as a renewal.
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White: The Colour of Purity and Peace
White is perceived as a pure color in Indian culture, meaning the simplest and most spiritual feeling. It is one of the best colors to wear for Diwali and other auspicious occasions. This is believed to be God’s color and is preferred during traditional ceremonies signifying peace and affinity to the next realm. It can be worn during Diwali as it symbolizes the purity of intentions, and clarity of mind at the end of a year, and the beginning of a new path.
White can be incorporated into a festive scheme in a very appealing way and can be easily combined with brighter colors of all shades.
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How to Combine & Style Different Colors to Wear on Diwali?
Understanding the essence of Diwali colors is incomplete without blending them in a way that forms a beautiful theme. As Diwali is a victory of light over darkness, happiness over sadness, and a new beginning over a new end, there’s no reason not to burst Diwali ke colors and mix traditional with modern looks.
The essence of what color clothes to wear on Diwali depends on the knowledge about the compatibility of the colors, shades, textures of the clothes, and the different types of patterns.
Here are some ways to combine and style different trending dresses for Diwali to make a lasting impression this Diwali:
Balance Bold and Soft Tones
Balancing between intense and vivid color shades and pastel shades will ensure that Diwali gets a rich, elegant look. Vivid colors like red, gold, and green are frequently linked to culture and religion because they represent love, wealth, and a fresh start. But if you use these bright colors, it is good to blend them with other lighter shades such as pink, peach, or white to reduce the impact of the deep hues to make the final look more polished.
For example, one can wear a bright red saree with a slightly glossy gold blouse piece or a pale orange lehenga with a dark maroon dupatta. The softer shades not only enhance good contrast but also let the bright colors be noticed without overpowering your outfit.
Styling Tip: For the dramatic, pick bright and strong colors to wear for Diwali like red or gold in the garment, and contrast them with soft accessories in pearl or faint-hued gemstone.
Monochrome Magic
It is definitely advisable to go all monochrome if you want a more organized look during Diwali. The monochrome style of dressing involves selecting one color and dressing in all pieces of that color, either in different shades or textures that you can imagine from head to toe. This style is classy, simple to achieve, and opens up an opportunity to play with accessories and hairstyles.
Several shades of pink ranging from light to dark pink are used in outfits such as a lehenga set trendy for the lively festivals. Single-color ensembles are also nice because they are simple and elegant and still stand out greatly.
Styling Tip: If going with all black and white colors to wear for Diwali, try to layer up and choose fabrics with different textures such as silk, velvet, and organza.
Layer with Textures and Patterns
Superposing fabrics of variant textures and motifs add depth to the dress worn during the Diwali celebration. Silk, brocade, chiffon, and velvet fabric are considered to be lavish and are especially used during occasions to embellish clothes. This is especially important in case two completely different colors are used, as textures will make the transition between them cleaner and add layers to the outfit.
For example, wearing a gold silk lehenga with a green velvet dupatta gives a regal touch besides, having a proper feel of the velvety fabric is satisfying.
Styling Tip: When working with different textures and prints going large-scale with your accessories might distract from the fabrics. The accessory is used to complement the outfit without overdoing it such as antique jewelry or a clutch.
Add a Pop of Color
For people who do not like a bold color or something close to it, adding some color to the background either through accents or single bright items is a good way to go festive without going overly colorful. For those who prefer to stick to neutral shades like white, beige, or cream, your accessories have to be red, green, or gold on the occasion of Diwali.
For example, wearing a plain white kurta with a beautiful colored pink dupatta or even a red bindi is enough to move from a plain dressing style to a festive dressing style. Likewise, the neutral hue sarees or lehengas can be framed with catchy bangles, Jutti shoes, or a neckpiece with zesty color and brightness. This approach is ideal for those who wish to go for simple designs, but who aren’t willing to depart from the conventional notion of using bright colors during Diwali.
Styling Tip: Add some fun accessories in these bright Diwali ke colors such as a clutch, embroidered sandals, or jewelry pieces that will make the look even better.
Conclusion
It is not just a festival of lighting the surroundings and the house, it is also a way to bring some light into your closet filled with meaningful and symbolic colors. They all bear their specific energy and when it comes to Diwali gold will bring wealth, red invites passion, green leads to new beginnings, and so on. You might know that some of these colors have many cultural and religious meanings connected with them.
By harmonizing bright and pastel shades and adding the rays of the festival’s color through accessories, the clothing will turn into the bouquet of the festival’s spirituality.
FAQs
1. Which color is considered lucky for Diwali?
Both gold and red are believed to be symbolic of Diwali. Gold symbolizes wealth and success and Red stands for power and energy.
2. Can you wear black on Diwali?
Black is generally not worn during Diwali but there are recommended ways of combining black clothes with bright shades.
3. Which colors should we avoid wearing on Diwali?
Dark or muted colors, such as brown and gray, are most often not used to reflect the festive spirit of joy and renewal.
