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By the Bahe Kurtiz styling team, Jaipur. Our block print sets are hand block printed by karigars in our own Jaipur unit.
For a pre-wedding puja or griha shanti, wear a simple, elegant kurta set in breathable cotton or chanderi, in auspicious colours like yellow, green, peach or soft pink, with a dupatta to cover your head during the rituals. Keep the embellishment light and the fit relaxed, because you will likely sit on the floor near the havan. This guide is for family and close friends invited to an intimate home puja, in India or abroad.
What is a griha shanti puja, and who attends?
A griha shanti puja is a prayer held at the family home, usually a few days before the wedding, to invite peace and blessings for the couple and the household. Many families also hold a Ganesh puja or another small ceremony at the start of the wedding week.
These are intimate events. The guest list is usually close family, a few friends and the priest. The mood is calm and devotional, not party-ready, so the outfit should feel graceful and simple rather than glamorous.
What colours are best for a pre-wedding puja?
Yellow, marigold, green, peach, coral and soft pink are all considered happy, auspicious choices. Pastels such as mint and powder blue also look lovely in daylight. If the family has chosen a colour for the day, follow it.
As with most Hindu ceremonies, avoid all-black and plain white unless the family suggests it, and leave bright bridal red to the bride. A soft print or light embroidery adds festivity without feeling showy.
| Colour | Mood | Best fabric | Pair it with | |---|---|---|---| | Mint or sage green | Fresh, calm, daytime | Hand block print cotton | Silver jhumkas | | Coral or peach | Warm, festive | Chanderi | Gold studs | | Grey with soft print | Elegant, understated | Cotton with kota doria dupatta | Pearl earrings | | Yellow or marigold | Bright, auspicious | Cotton or chanderi | Glass bangles |
Which outfits work best for a home puja?
A hand block print cotton kurta set
Block print cotton is our first choice for a home puja. It is soft, breathable and comfortable on the floor, and the hand-stamped motifs feel festive without any shine. The mint green hand block print kurta set with a hand work yoke at $48 has just enough detail at the neckline to look dressed for photos.
A block print set with a kota doria dupatta
If you want a slightly more polished look, choose a set with a fine dupatta. The grey hand block print kurta set with a kota doria dupatta at $52 is elegant and understated, and grey with a soft print sits well next to the brighter colours the bride's family may wear.
A chanderi kurta set for a dressier puja
Some families treat the puja as the first formal event of the wedding. For that, chanderi gives a soft sheen. Our coral pink chanderi kurta set with a hand-embroidered yoke is warm, auspicious and light enough for a long ceremony.
A kurta palazzo set for easy floor seating
Palazzos give you the most room when sitting cross-legged. The sage teal block print kurta palazzo set at $36 is a relaxed option that still looks put together.
How do you stay comfortable sitting on the floor for the puja?
Floor seating is the part most people forget to plan for. A few tips:
- Choose a kurta with side slits so it does not pull when you sit
- Pick straight pants or palazzos over tight churidars
- Avoid stiff, heavily embellished fabric that scratches your legs
- Keep the dupatta light so it does not pile up in your lap
- Wear slip-on footwear, since shoes stay outside the puja area
A good fit at the bust and hip helps too. Our free custom fit lets you share your bust, waist, hip and height, and we stitch to measure at no extra cost, so the kurta sits comfortably when you sit as well as when you stand.
From our Jaipur studio: Every block print set starts with carved wooden blocks pressed by hand onto cotton, one colour at a time. The cotton softens with each wash and stays breathable in a warm room full of diya and havan smoke. That is why we often suggest block print for home pujas, where comfort matters as much as looks.
How should you style your hair, jewellery and dupatta?
Keep it simple. Small jhumkas or studs, a few glass or metal bangles and a bindi are enough. Skip heavy necklaces, which feel awkward when you bend to offer flowers or rice.
Tie your hair in a low bun or braid. It looks neat and keeps hair away from the havan fire. Drape your dupatta over one shoulder and lift it over your head when the priest begins the main prayers or when elders do the same.
If you are travelling from the UK, Canada or the USA for the wedding week, order early. Made-to-measure takes 5–7 working days plus about 5–10 business days delivery, so allow at least 3–4 weeks. Shipping is free with tracking to the USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a griha shanti puja as a guest? A simple cotton or chanderi kurta set in an auspicious colour like yellow, green, peach or pink, with a dupatta. Keep jewellery light and choose a fit that is comfortable for floor seating.
Is it okay to wear block print to a wedding puja? Yes. Hand block print cotton is graceful and traditional, and it is one of the most comfortable choices for a home ceremony.
What colours should I avoid at a pre-wedding puja? Most families prefer guests to avoid all-black and plain white. Bright bridal red is usually left to the bride.
How do I wash a hand block print cotton kurta? Wash separately in cold water with mild detergent for the first few washes, dry in shade and iron on medium heat from the inside.
Want help picking a puja outfit that also works for the rest of the wedding week? WhatsApp us and we will help you plan.
