The Journal.
Notes from the costume room: ideas, checklists and fitting advice for parents, teachers and performers.
Fancy dress · Kids · School · 7 min read
40+ Fancy Dress Ideas for Kids, Sorted by Theme
Fancy dress competition coming up? Over forty costume ideas for kids, grouped by the themes schools set most often, with the one prop that makes each character recognisable.
Independence Day · Republic Day · Fancy dress · 6 min read
Freedom Fighter Costumes for Kids: What Each Character Needs
Dressing your child as Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rani Laxmibai or Netaji for Independence Day or Republic Day? What each costume needs, plus a one-line speech idea for each.
Janmashtami · Mythology · Kids · 5 min read
How to Dress Your Child as Krishna for Janmashtami
A complete Krishna costume checklist for Janmashtami: pitambar, mor-mukut, bansuri, jewellery and makeup tips for babies and kids, plus Radha and gopi ideas for school tableaux.
Navratri · Garba · Festive · 6 min read
Chaniya Choli or Kedia? A First-Timer's Guide to Garba Outfits
New to Garba? What to wear for Navratri: chaniya choli, kedia, dhoti, jewellery and dandiya explained, how to check the fit for dancing, and what renting a Garba outfit costs in Bhilai.
Annual day · Schools · Planning · 6 min read
The Teacher's Checklist for Annual Function Costumes
Organising costumes for a school annual day? A step-by-step checklist for teachers: building the costume list, sizing a whole class, booking bulk sets and the dress-rehearsal check.
Advice · Costs · 4 min read
Renting vs Buying a Costume: Which Makes More Sense?
Should you rent or buy a costume for a school function, Garba night or farewell? An honest comparison of cost, quality, storage and accessories, and when buying is the better choice.
Kids · Advice · 4 min read
Getting the Fit Right: Costume Sizing Tips for Kids
How to choose the right size when renting a costume for your child: what to measure, how to handle headpieces and crowns, and why a trial matters for stage costumes.
Folk dance · Schools · Culture · 6 min read
Regional Dance Costumes of India for School Programmes
A state-by-state guide to folk dance costumes for school programmes: Garba, Bhangra, Lavani, Bihu, Rajasthani, Bengali, South Indian, Kashmiri and Chhattisgarhi folk attire.
Mythology · School plays · Ramleela · 5 min read
Mythological Characters for School Plays: Costume & Prop Guide
Staging a Ramayana or Mahabharata scene? What Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Shiva, Durga, Saraswati, Ganesha and Narad Muni wear, and the props that make each one recognisable.
Farewell · Blazers · Style · 5 min read
Farewell Blazer Guide: Fit, Style and Renting Tips
Wearing a blazer to your college farewell? How a blazer should fit, single vs double-breasted, tuxedo or Indo-western, and why renting makes sense for a one-night event.