Accessorizing Indian Festival Looks: From Jhumkas to Mojris

Indian festivals are not just about rituals—they’re a celebration of color, culture, and personal style. While traditional outfits like sarees, lehengas, and kurtas take center stage, the true magic lies in the details—your accessories. From statement jhumkas that frame your face to hand-embroidered mojris that complete your festive step, accessories elevate your ensemble from simple to spectacular.

In this blog, we explore how to accessorize Indian festival outfits with timeless pieces, trending styles, and region-specific flair—so you can shine from head to toe during every celebration.

1. Why Accessories Matter in Indian Festive Fashion

In Indian fashion, accessories aren't optional—they're essential. Each piece, from a bangle to a bindi, carries cultural meaning, enhances the aesthetic appeal, and allows personal storytelling through style.

Whether you’re dressing for Diwali, Navratri, Eid, Durga Puja, or a family wedding, choosing the right accessories can:

• Balance a heavily embroidered outfit or elevate a minimalist one.

• Add color, texture, and dimension.

• Reflect your regional heritage or modern taste.

2. Earrings That Speak: Jhumkas, Chandbalis & More

Jhumkas: The Quintessential Festive Favorite

• Dome-shaped, often bell-like, with intricate carvings or pearls.

• Perfect for traditional outfits like silk sarees and anarkalis.

• Gold-plated jhumkas go well with red, green, and deep jewel-toned ensembles.

Trending Variants:

• Temple jewelry jhumkas

• Oxidized silver jhumkas for a boho look

• Pearl-embellished jhumkas for subtle elegance

Chandbalis: Royal Moon-Inspired Style

• Moon-shaped earrings popular in Mughal and Hyderabadi styles.

• Look stunning with lehengas and shararas.

• Often paired with maang tikka or passa for bridal or Eid looks.

Ear Cuffs & Studs: For Contemporary Festive Looks

• Ideal for Indo-western outfits or fusion saris.

• Choose gemstone-studded or kundan ear cuffs to stand out without overdoing it.

3. The Neck Game: Chokers, Rani Haars & Layering Tips

Chokers

• Great for off-shoulder blouses or deep-neck anarkalis.

• Velvet, kundan, and pearl chokers are trending this season.

• Pair with studs or small jhumkas to balance the look.

Rani Haar (Queen’s Necklace)

• Long, regal, and perfect for grand celebrations like Diwali or Karva Chauth.

• Often layered with chokers or mid-length necklaces.

• Works best with deep-colored sarees, Banarasi silks, or brocade lehengas.

Layered Neckpieces

• Combine different lengths and textures (e.g., a choker + long beads).

• Adds drama and depth, especially to plain kurtas or solid-colored dresses.

Pro Tip: For minimalist outfits, let your necklace be the hero. For ornate outfits, go lighter or skip the necklace in favor of statement earrings.

4. Bangles, Bracelets & Hathphools: Adorning the Hands

Glass Bangles

• Synonymous with Indian festivals—especially in North India.

• Match your bangles to your outfit or go multicolored for Holi or Navratri.

Kadas (Cuffs)

• Gold, silver, or kundan-encrusted—great for heavier looks.

• Ideal for fusion outfits or when you want to skip stacked bangles.

Hathphools & Hand Harnesses

• Traditional North Indian accessory worn on the back of the hand, connecting rings to bracelets.

• Adds vintage charm to bridal and mehendi looks.

• Pair with embroidered mojris for a coordinated hand-foot look.

5. Hair Accessories: Maang Tikkas to Floral Gajras

Maang Tikka

• Worn on the center parting of the hair; ranges from simple chains to oversized kundan designs.

• Looks stunning with middle-parted buns or braids.

• Must-have for wedding events, Eid, and Navratri nights.

Passa (Side Tikka)

• Mughal-inspired accessory worn on the side of the forehead.

• Often seen in traditional Hyderabadi and Pakistani looks.

Gajras & Floral Accessories

• Fresh jasmine or artificial flower garlands wrapped around buns or braids.

• A favorite during South Indian festivals, weddings, and pujas.

• Adds instant freshness and a fragrant touch.

6. The Bindi: Small Dot, Big Statement

No Indian festive look is complete without a bindi. It’s more than an accessory—it’s a cultural emblem.

Types to Try:

• Small maroon/black dots for classic looks

• Stone-studded or metallic bindis for glam appeal

• Colored bindis that match your outfit

Pro Tip: A bindi can pull your entire look together. For sarees or lehengas, don’t skip it!

7. Footwear That Completes the Look: Mojris, Kolhapuris & Juttis

Mojris & Juttis

• Flat, closed-toe shoes with detailed embroidery.

• Rajasthani and Punjabi roots.

• Look great with salwar suits, lehengas, and even dhoti pants.

Popular Trends:

• Mirror work juttis for Navratri

• Zari and sequined mojris for Diwali or wedding functions

• Velvet or brocade finish for winter festivals

Kolhapuris

• Open-toe, T-strap sandals with a rustic charm.

• Best for summer festivals like Raksha Bandhan or Ganesh Chaturthi.

• Available in metallic finishes, perfect for a festive fusion look.

Heeled Ethnic Sandals

• Block heels with embellishments for added height and glamour.

• Ideal for sarees and floor-length anarkalis.

8. Clutches & Potlis: Carry in Style

Your accessory game isn’t complete without a festive bag to match.

Potli Bags

• Drawstring bags made with silk, brocade, or velvet.

• Embellished with tassels, pearls, or mirror work.

• Match your potli to your jhumkas or dupatta for a coordinated look.

Embroidered Clutches

• Structured and easy to carry.

• Available in zari, mirror, or threadwork designs.

• Works well for modern Indian outfits like saree gowns or pant-style suits.

9. Regional Touches That Stand Out

Different Indian regions have signature accessories you can incorporate into your look:

• South India: Temple jewelry, long gold chains, fresh gajras

• Gujarat/Rajasthan: Mirror work accessories, oxidized silver jewelry

• Bengal: Shankha-pola bangles, red bindis, gold chains

• Maharashtra: Nath (nose ring), green glass bangles, chandrakor bindi

• Punjab: Parandis (braid tassels), phulkari dupattas, juttis

Mix and match regional styles to create a personalized festive vibe.

10. Festive Accessory Trends to Watch in 2025

• Pearl-studded everything – from hairpins to clutches

• Gold-toned layered chains with Indian motifs

• Color-coordinated bindi sets for mix-and-match looks

• Embroidered belt bags for practical-meets-pretty

• Contemporary nose rings (clip-ons too!) for non-pierced fashionistas

Conclusion: Dress Up, Accessorize, Celebrate

When it comes to Indian festivals, your outfit is just the beginning. Accessories are the soul of your festive look—they bring tradition, personality, and polish. Whether you go full glam with chandbalis and mojris or keep it subtle with pearl studs and a floral bun.

The right accessories can transform your celebration ensemble into something truly memorable. So this festive season, don’t stop at just picking the perfect outfit—go all in and accessorize like royalty.