The divine dress code

Dressing up for an event is an art that the celebs know best. But what about dressing up for an event, which is the first of its kind in the history of India? What will power couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor wear for the Pran-Prathishta ceremony in Ayodhya on Jan 22? What will Anushka and Virat Kohli choose to wear on what is one of the most important days ever? While a host of celebs from the length and breadth of the country have been invited for the mega event, what kind of ensembles and jewellery will the celebs choose to wear? Many are in fix, whether to don handloom or go in for a chic all-whites with a dash of saffron, but looks like the Gods, Goddesses and Aam Janta are going to witness a riot of colours! We asked a few designers what would be the most “appropriate dressing” in the presence of Lord Ram.

Gaurang Shah, fashion designer

In the aura of the Ram Mandir Pran-Prathishta celebration, I envision celebrities dressed in sarees and traditional attire in heavenly hues of white, yellow, and orange. I feel that a harmonic blend of colourful weaves and Jamdani masterpieces in devotional colours would mirror divinity, with fashion becoming a spiritual hymn and each ensemble serving as a visual ode to devotion.

Retain the spirit of a temple

I’d say opt for something calming, not out there in your face, but showing a touch of your individual style while retaining the spirit of a temple and its sanctity...a kurta pyjama with a dupatta or a scarf to cover your head in...and I would steer away from black and white colours due to symbolism. - Rina Dhaka, designer

Eternal ethnic elegance

Dressing well has evolved into an essential component of presenting and expressing oneself. We hope to see the celebrities dressed in stylish Indian pieces. We have a rich history and culture that offers a variety of beautiful silks and skills around every corner. Rich Kanchivarams, Banarasi, and Paithani sarees for the ladies, as well as silk Banarasi and Chikankari kurtas, sherwanis, and dhotis for men would be a welcome change to commemorate this magnificent occasion! - Venkat Gaddam, artist-turned-fashion-designer

Draped in joy

The ceremony will be infused with happiness, and it will provide an opportunity to celebrate in festive Indian colours. They should definitely be dressed in a heavy silk saree, salwar kurta, or sharara with plenty of latkan and jhatkans including heavy jewellery, crimson bindis, and flower-adorned hair buns. - Vinita Pittie, designer

Don traditional weaves

As an Indian handloom enthusiast, seeing fashion influencers dressed in vivid state-specific weaves would lift my joyful spirits. Every state in India has an impeccable technique of clothing. This is an extraordinary experience. Given the enthusiastic excitement of the “Pran-Prathishta,” Indian women should undoubtedly adorn the event in traditional weaves and designs that reflect the original spirit. Apart from traditional jewellery, my go-to accessory for remembering the Shri Ram era is a big red bindi! Men would undoubtedly look good in a dhoti. - Divya Reddy, Philanthropist and designer