Diwali 2026 Outfits for Men and Kids: Nehru Jackets, Kurta Pyjamas and Matching Family Looks
Diwali 2026 is Sunday, 8 November, with Dhanteras on the 6th and Bhai Dooj on the 11th – four days of pujas, visits and photographs, and the men and children in the family are usually dressed last and in a hurry. This guide is the shortcut: one Nehru jacket and one kurta for him, one set per child, and a colour rule so the family photo works without everyone wearing the same thing.
Men: one Nehru jacket, two kurtas
A khadi or cotton Nehru jacket in a solid colour is the piece that covers all four days. Worn over a white kurta it is Lakshmi Puja; over a coloured kurta it is Bhai Dooj lunch; over a shirt it is the Dhanteras office party. The olive green khadi Nehru jacket (₹899) and the stone grey khadi Nehru jacket (₹919) come in sizes 36–48; the azure blue Ikat Nehru jacket (₹919) is the handwoven option. Under it, a plain kurta from men’s kurta pyjamas, or the gerua rust Pathani kurta (₹1,779) – gerua is the Diwali colour for men that is not cream. Men’s Kolhapuris finish it. Browse all Nehru jackets and men’s festive looks.
Boys: the kurta pyjama set, and a Nehru jacket if he will keep it on
A two-piece cotton kurta pyjama is the Diwali uniform for boys from 3 months to 10 years because it washes, it does not itch, and it survives sparklers. The white and silver stripe kurta pyjama set (₹460) is the base that takes any jacket; the Duke blue kurta, pyjama and Kalamkari Nehru jacket set of 3 (₹763) is the whole outfit in one box. Block-printed and brocade Nehru jackets for boys start at ₹323 – buy one size up; they are worn over a kurta. All boys’ kurta pyjamas and boys’ ethnic wear.
Girls: a kurta set for the puja, a lehenga for the photos
For girls the question is usually kurta set or lehenga. Our answer: kurta set for the puja and visiting (she can sit cross-legged in it), lehenga or a flared dress for the evening photographs. Girls’ kurta sets in hand-block cotton run 0–3 months to 10 years; girls’ dresses and the festive wear for kids edit have the block-print lehenga sets and Chanderi pieces. For babies under a year, mulmul: see infant wear.
How to match the family without matching
Pick one print or one colour family and give each person a different amount of it. A black Kalamkari Nehru jacket on the boy, a black-and-beige Kalamkari kurta on her, a plain black kurta under a grey jacket on him. Or everyone in a different shade of green – olive khadi for him, mehendi for her, leafy green for the kids. The mother–child edit has pairs that were designed together. Avoid identical outfits on adults; identical outfits on siblings are fine and photograph well.
Bhai Dooj: what to wear and what to give
Bhai Dooj (11 November) is a daytime visit, so lighter than Diwali night: a cotton kurta for him, a kurta set for her. Gifts both ways under ₹1,500 are in the Diwali gift guide – Nehru jackets and Kolhapuris for brothers, juttis and potlis for sisters.
FAQ
What should men wear for Diwali puja? A plain cotton or silk kurta with a Nehru jacket in a solid colour. White or cream kurta with an olive, grey or indigo jacket is the most common combination; gerua rust is the colour choice for those who do not want cream.
What is the best Diwali outfit for a 2-year-old? A cotton kurta pyjama for boys or a mulmul kurta set for girls – soft, elastic-waisted, and washable. Avoid dupattas and brocade on children under 3.
Do kids’ Nehru jackets run true to size? They are cut to go over a kurta, so take the age size or one up. Measurements are on each product page; our kids’ sizes are by age from 0–3 months to 9–10 years.
Delivery and returns? Free shipping over ₹1,499, cash on delivery available. Pieces are made to order; exchange or return for store credit within 48 hours of delivery on unused pieces with tags (returns policy). Order by 30 October for delivery before Dhanteras.
More from the series: Diwali 2026 outfit ideas for women · Diwali office party outfits · Bhai Dooj and Chhath 2026 · kids’ size guide by age. Shop: men · kids’ ethnic wear · kids’ festive looks.
