Pongal Festival Outfits: 7 Makara Sankranthi

Pongal festival marks the beginning of the new harvest and end of the winter solstice.

It is celebrated across different parts of India, known by Lohri, Makar Sankranti. It is dedicated to Lord Sun. On this auspicious day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makara. The Pongal festival is celebrated for 4 days in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

• Day 1 (Jan 14th, 2020) – Bhoghi (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra)
• Day 2 (Jan 15th, 2020) – Makara Sankranti, the main festival day
• Day 3 (Jan 16th, 2020) – Kanuma (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)
• Day 4 (Jan 17th, 2020) — Mukkanuma (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)

If you haven’t decided what to wear for the 4 days or for the main Pongal festival, I have got you covered. Below are my favorite picks from Etsy and Amazon. Everything I shared from Amazon has free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime. For Etsy finds, I try to pick items from USA seller so they will ship out fast. In case they’re not, send a message to the seller asking if they can expedite the shipping before placing an order. Most of them usually answer within 24 hrs. 

7 Pongal Festival Outfits or Makara Sankranthi

1. Turn your shirtdress into Tunic and pair a metallic skirt as bottoms

If you don’t own any Indian clothing, use your western wear to create ethnic outfits. Pair a tunic top or shirtdress and unbutton the dress from the waist and pair with metallic gold or silver pleated skirt or a wide leg pant. And complete the look with a statement choker or earrings.

Shop this Pongal Festival Outfit:

 Shirtdress c/o Froknyc | Skirt (last seen here) | Choker | Tote | Pumps or these sandals

2.  Upadda Silk Saree with Guttapusalu Necklace

A Pattu (silk) saree is best suited for any occasion. Uppada silk saree is lightweight, hence easy to handle and drape. Plus, it’s weaved in Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari to be specific. What’s the perfect way to celebrate makar Sankranthi than appreciating the local handlooms. To complete the traditional look, I paired the saree with Guttapusalu haram (necklace). It’s one of my favorite styles, it’s traditional yet looks very contemporary.

The saree is shipped for Free from India. If you want to expedite shipping. Contact the seller about it before placing the order. The necklace is shipped for free from Florida. I got mine within 4 days, again contact the seller (I got a response within 24 hrs) and ask them if they ship by Pongal. The bangles and wedges offer free 2-day prime shipping.

Shop this Pongal Festival Outfit:

Upadda Saree (or Patola Saree) | Necklace (or this Kemp necklace) | Bangles | Wedges

3. Pair a Beige Palazzo Pant with a Maroon Saree blouse

I wore this Indo-western outfit on my Birthday last year. I paired a W palazzo pants with a readymade Banarasi boatneck saree blouse that I got it from Etsy or you can also go with this combination that I wore for my first Vara Lakshmi Vratham.

A gold linen saree with a Kundan Necklace is another great alternative.

Shop this Pongal Festival Outfit:

 Blouse sold out, like this pink Banarasi blouse here and here | similar Palazzo Pants here and here ( gold saree here and here) | Necklace With Earrings | Bangles | Gold Sandals 

4. Half Saree With Pearl and Kundhan Rani Haar

Any South Indian festival is incomplete without donning the most popular Half Sarees. The traditional half saree comprises a long flared skirt, a choli (top) and a dupatta. The dupatta is draped in a saree style and hence it’s named as half saree. Instead of pairing the half saree with traditional gold necklace, go for pearl and kundan chain which is trending right now.

The blouse in this half-saree comes unstitched but I contacted the seller about it and they confirmed that they can stitch the blouse on request and for an extra charge.

Shop this Pongal Festival Outfit:

Half Saree (floral half saree here) | Necklace | Bangles 

5. Yellow Anarkali with Silver Jhumakas and Bangles

Anarkali is appropriate for any occasion. With one long top that looks more like a dress, Anakarli is easy to style and look elegant. I chose yellow because it’s known as an auspicious color. Instead of going with traditional gold jewelry, opt for silver oxidized jhumkas and bangles.

Ome of friends bought a similar Anarkali set in India. She mentioned the top part was slightly transparent. She had to wear a camisole underneath. But I am not sure if this Anarkali is transparent or not. I just wanted to put it out there if you are interested to buy it.

Shop this Pongal Festival Outfit:

 Anarkali Kurti | Earrings | Bangles | Wedges

6. Cotton Kurti or Salwar Sets

If you want to keep your Pongal Day look simple then a cotton Kurti or salwar set is the best option. My personal favorite styles are straight cut Kurti with a Palazzo pant, A-line Kurti with cigarette pants or Asymmetrical Kurti with leggings. Pair your suit set with gold jhumkas or Chandbali earrings and you are good to go. All these sets are under $50 and are available for free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime. 

Shop this Pongal Festival Outfits:

  Blue and pink set | Grey and Red set | Red and Gold set

7. Make your own Ghagra set with a Raw silk skirt, Barcode blouse, and net dupatta

If you don’t know any Ghagra set, mix and match your existing pieces to create one. Use crop tops or saree blouse as top and pair with a raw silk skirt or any maxi skirt that pairs with your top. Then throw on a net dupatta. This one comes in gold, pink, white and red.

Shop this Pongal Festival Outfit:

Raw silk skirt | Blouse (u neck here) | Kemp stone Necklace & Earring Set | Dupatta | Sandals | Bangles

Check below for some more Pongal Festival Outfits from Amazon and Etsy. 90% of these picks are under $50.