Hindustan Times ·
Lifestyle and human interest
I'll be pandal-hopping all week: 5 kurta sets I actually want to wear
I’ve shortlisted 5 kurta sets that balance festive style and comfort, from embroidered Anarkalis to an easy printed option, for Ganesh Chaturthi pandal-hopping.
Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.
Samarpita Yashaswini is a Content Producer for Fashion (HT Shop Now) at Hindustan Times Digital. She has five years of experience in lifestyle writing, specialising in fashion, beauty, and trend-led commerce content. She covers everything from seasonal must-haves and wardrobe essentials to brand reviews and styling edits that make everyday dressing easier and more exciting.
She began her writing journey in 2020, but her love for fashion started long before that. Over the years, she has interned with Times Internet and Desi Martini, and worked with Pinkvilla and Schbang, building a strong foundation in digital storytelling and audience-first content. At HT Digital, she writes and creates fashion affiliate content for both the website and social media, blending trend awareness with shopping practicality. Her work sits at the intersection of style and strategy combined with equal parts aesthetic and analytics.
A self-confessed fashion enthusiast, Samarpita has a sharp eye for colours, prints, silhouettes, and textures. She notices the fall of a fabric, the mood of a palette, and the difference a good cut can make. Her expertise lies in translating trends into wearable, relatable style and helping readers shop smarter, not louder.
She studied at Delhi Public School and graduated from Miranda House, University of Delhi in 2019, where she also wrote for the college magazine. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and PR from MICA, Ahmedabad.
Samarpita believes fashion content doesn’t need to be complicated or overly eloquent. It should be simple, fun, and genuinely helpful, guiding readers through daily style decisions with confidence and joy.
I love dressing up for Ganesh Chaturthi. But after spending hours moving from one pandal to another, I have realised that the prettiest outfit is not necessarily the one I want to wear.
This year, I am looking for something that can survive walking, standing, sitting, eating prasad and moving from one celebration to the next without making me think about my clothes every ten minutes.
So while choosing what to add to my cart, I am looking for that middle ground. I want something festive enough for Ganesh Chaturthi, comfortable enough for a day spent outside and versatile enough that I can wear it again after the celebrations.
That is what narrowed my cart down to these five kurta sets.
What I look for in a pandal-hopping kurta set
Can I walk and sit comfortably?
Will I constantly have to rearrange it?
Does it make sense for the actual conditions?
Can I move without worrying about the hem?
Would I wear this after Ganesh Chaturthi?
1. MOKOSH Silk Embroidered Anarkali: For when I want to look properly festive
If I am dressing up for Ganesh Chaturthi, an embroidered Anarkali is one of the easiest ways to make the outfit feel festive without having to think too much about styling.
The MOKOSH set caught my attention because the combination of an Anarkali silhouette, embroidery and dupatta already gives it an occasion-ready feel.
For pandal-hopping, I would style it with comfortable flats or juttis rather than anything with a heel. The Anarkali can do most of the visual work, so I would keep the rest of the accessories relatively simple.
The Look: A traditional option featuring delicate embroidery across the neckline and yoke, paired with matching trousers and a lightweight net dupatta.
Why It Works: The flared silhouette allows natural movement, while the soft silk-blend fabric offers a subtle sheen suited for evening pandal visits.
Styling Tip: Pair with cushioned flat juttis and minimalist stud earrings to keep long walking trips comfortable.
Keep in Mind: Check the length before heading out to ensure the hem stays clean in wet or crowded areas.
2. Naixa Viscose Embroidered Set: For a polished look without going too dramatic
2. Naixa Women's Viscose Embroidered Straight Kurta with Viscose Pant and Silk Blend Embroidered Laced Dupatta
Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view.
We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust.
Not every Ganesh Chaturthi outfit needs a dramatic flare.
The Naixa set has a straight kurta with matching trousers and an embroidered dupatta, giving it a more streamlined silhouette. That immediately appeals to me for a day when I know I will be moving around a lot.
The embroidered dupatta still brings in the festive element, while the straight-cut kurta and trousers make the overall outfit feel more straightforward.
The Look: A streamlined straight-cut tunic with understated lace detailing, paired with wide-leg trousers and a printed silk-blend dupatta.
Why It Works: Straight-cut silhouettes present a polished profile without bulky layers, making navigating tight crowds straightforward.
Styling Tip: Secure the dupatta with a quick pin at the shoulder so your hands remain free for snacks and photos.
Keep in Mind: Viscose drapes lightly, but ensure you select a size that offers full range of motion across the shoulders.
3. MOKOSH Silk Embroidered Anarkali: For a second festive mood
Yes, I have added another MOKOSH Anarkali to my cart.
But that is also the point of building a festive wardrobe around silhouettes you know you will actually enjoy wearing. If two versions have different colours or detailing, they can create completely different looks even when the basic silhouette is similar.
This is the kind of outfit I would save for one of the more festive pandal visits, particularly if I want the clothes to feel more traditional and occasion-specific.
The Look: A jewel-toned, multi-tiered Anarkali featuring threadwork along the sleeves and borders.
Why It Works: Tiered cuts offer a festive volume without adding heavy weight, providing excellent air circulation during afternoon outings.
Styling Tip: Style with a soft lip color and a compact cross-body bag to keep your essentials organized on the go.
Keep in Mind: Rayon provides high breathability, but gentle care or hand-washing is recommended to maintain color sharpness.
4. Amazon Brand Myx Anarkali: For an easy festive wardrobe staple
This is the set I would consider when I want the traditional appeal of an Anarkali but still want something that can earn its place in my wardrobe beyond Ganesh Chaturthi.
The embroidered kurta paired with an organza dupatta gives it a more dressed-up finish, while the A-line fit makes the silhouette feel less restrictive than something very fitted.
I also like the idea of choosing pieces that can be styled differently later. The kurta could work with another pair of trousers, while the dupatta could potentially be used with a simpler kurta set.
The Look: A classic A-line cotton-blend suit paired with a structured organza dupatta that adds crisp dimension.
Why It Works: A-line cuts taper neatly at the torso while remaining loose at the hips, offering flexibility for all-day wear.
Styling Tip: Wear light stackable bangles and fabric flats to complement the delicate organza texture.
Keep in Mind: Organza has a stiffer drape, so drape it neatly across one arm to prevent it from slipping in tight spaces.
5. Printed Rayon Anarkali: For when I want to keep things easy
Sometimes the best festive outfit is the one that does not require too much thought.
If I already know I have several days of pandal-hopping ahead, I would not want every outfit to be heavily embroidered or elaborate. A printed Anarkali can give me the traditional silhouette while keeping the overall look more relaxed.
The rayon construction and printed design make this feel like the option I would reach for on a day when comfort is particularly high on my list.
I would pair it with simple earrings, a small handbag and comfortable flats, letting the print do the work.
The Look: An easy-going floral or motif-printed set designed for casual daytime visits.
Why It Works: Soft printed cotton is ideal for high humidity, absorbing moisture while keeping you cool through afternoon queues.
Styling Tip: Add brass or silver-look statement earrings to elevate the casual print into festive territory.
Keep in Mind: Pure cotton can wrinkle easily, so choose an option blended with a small percentage of synthetic fibers for longevity.
What I actually want from a Ganesh Chaturthi outfit
Pandal-hopping sounds glamorous until you remember the amount of walking involved.
That is why I would use a slightly different checklist for these outfits than I would for a wedding or a formal festive dinner.
Comfortable movement: I want to be able to walk, sit and travel without constantly adjusting my clothes.
A manageable silhouette: A little volume is lovely, but I do not want an outfit that gets in the way when I am moving through crowded spaces.
Breathable and practical fabrics: The weather and outdoor movement are worth considering before choosing a heavily layered outfit.
Secure dupatta: This sounds like a small detail until you spend several hours trying to stop one from slipping.
Comfortable footwear: Even the prettiest kurta set will not save a day of pandal-hopping if the footwear is uncomfortable.
Repeat-wear potential: I would rather buy a festive outfit that I can imagine wearing again than something that only makes sense for one particular celebration.
If I want the most traditional and festive look, I would choose one of the MOKOSH Anarkalis.
If I want a more streamlined outfit for walking around, the Naixa straight kurta set would be higher on my list.
If I want an Anarkali that can work beyond Ganesh Chaturthi, I would consider the Amazon Brand Myx set.
If I want a more relaxed and easy festive outfit, the printed rayon Anarkali makes the most sense.
And if I am planning to spend several hours moving from one pandal to another, I would prioritise the outfit that gives me the best combination of comfort, easy movement and festive appeal rather than simply choosing the most heavily embellished one.
Because for me, the perfect Ganesh Chaturthi outfit is not necessarily the most elaborate one.
It is the one that looks festive when I arrive at the pandal and still feels comfortable when I am heading to the next one.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.