The festival of Karthigai Deepam is all about lights, traditions, and looking your festive best. This year, Karthigai Deepam is falling on 24th November, 2026, and who better to take inspiration from than South Indian actresses? From Nayanthara’s classic red saree to Sai Pallavi’s minimal white saree inspiration, here are 5 gorgeous actresses-inspired saree looks, perfect for Karthigai Deepam. 

Nayanthara’s Classic Red And Gold Saree

This saree by Nayanthara proves that red never goes out of fashion. This red saree with a golden zari border is a great choice for Karthigai Deepam. The saree also has tiny polka dots, which add charm to the traditional saree. 

If you want to style this, pair it with heavy gold jhumkas, a small red bindi, and a jasmine gajra in a low bun. This is one of the safest options for the festival, as it would look elegant in the festive lighting, during a temple visit, and at a family dinner. 

Samantha’s Olive Green Satin Drapped Saree

If you are looking for a minimal, soft, modern, fuss-free saree this festival, go for Samantha’s olive green satin draped saree, with no borders. This saree is minimal and gives a flowy look. To recreate the look, choose a satin saree in pista, sage, or olive for Karthigai Deepam. Samantha styled it with a choker; you can go for the same. Add small studs, thin gold bangles, and let your hair be soft and wavy.

Sai Pallavi’s Ivory White and Pearl Saree

Every single look of Sai Pallavi proves that you don’t need heavy outfits to look festive. This ivory-white pearl saree speaks for itself. This saree would go perfectly with a boat-neck blouse, exactly how Pallavi styled it. To accessorise, you can add a double-layered pearl choker, a long pearl haar, a small bindi, and naturally open hair. 

Tamannaah Bhatia’s Maroon And Gold Sequin Saree

Tamannaah Bhatia’s maroon saree is appropriate for a nighttime event for Karthigai Deepam. Tamannaah’s outfit includes a deep maroon saree with a gold sequin border, an Ajrakh-style pallu, and a gorgeous peacock motif. To recreate her look, take a heavy maroon saree, get a sweetheart-neckline blouse, and keep the jewellery minimal. This outfit will look magical in the light of all those diyas.

Keerthy Suresh’s Emerald Green Saree

If you want the most traditional look, go for Keerthy’s style. She wore a rich emerald green saree with a wide gold zari border, paired with a sleeveless green blouse.

To style this look, layer a temple-style choker with ruby stones and a long gold haram with a traditional pendant. You can leave your hair open in soft curls, add a small red bindi, and finish with gold jhumkas. This green and gold combo is timeless and perfect for Karthigai Deepam evening puja and traditional family functions.

Which Look Are You Recreating?

For morning puja, go for Sai Pallavi’s white or Keerthy’s green. For evening, pick Nayanthara’s red or Tamannaah’s maroon. And if you love comfort, Samantha’s satin is your best bet. This Karthigai Deepam, let the deepams light up your saree too. 

(Image Credits: Instagram)

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