Ten days of Ganpati means ten days of showing up: sthapana at home, mandal visits, aarti at the neighbour's, a friend's visarjan. The same kurta can do all of it, but only if you pick the right kind for the kind of person you are.
The contemporary kurta
A white or cream base, a clean collar, a hint of saffron at the placket or cuff. This is for the person who wants to look festive without looking like they tried. It goes to the office in the morning and the mandal in the evening. Pairs with plain trousers or a churidar. If you own one kurta for the festival, make it this one.
The traditional kurta
Vermillion, mustard, or deep green with a Paithani-inspired border, worn with a dhoti or a pyjama. This is the kurta for the home puja and the family photo, and it carries Maharashtra in its border. It is not shy. Wear it when you want to be seen honouring the occasion.
The statement kurta
Gold or ivory raw silk with fine zari at the collar. For the mandal organiser, the family elder, the one who leads the aarti. It is heavier, warmer, and the most photographed thing in the room. Save it for the biggest evenings and the last day.
Fabric matters more than colour
Ganpati falls in the humid tail of the monsoon. Whatever you choose, it should breathe. Cotton, cotton silk, or a light raw silk. Pure synthetics will make you regret every aarti.
The honest test
Put it on and sit cross-legged for two minutes. If the collar rides up, the fabric pulls, or you feel like you are wearing a costume, it is the wrong kurta, however good it looked on the hanger.