Freedom Fighter Fancy Dress Ideas for Independence Day

Mahatma Gandhi

• What to wear: White dhoti and shawl, bare feet or simple chappals
• Props that matter: Round steel-rim glasses, bamboo walking stick, pocket watch
• Line for the stage: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

See the Mahatma Gandhi costume

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

• What to wear: Olive INA uniform with belt, peaked cap, epaulettes
• Props that matter: Round glasses, a salute — the cap is the giveaway
• Line for the stage: "Give me blood and I will give you freedom."

See the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose costume

Jawaharlal Nehru

• What to wear: White achkan / Nehru jacket over churidar, Gandhi cap
• Props that matter: A red rose in the buttonhole
• Line for the stage: "At the stroke of the midnight hour, India will awake to life and freedom."

See the Jawaharlal Nehru costume

Rani Lakshmibai

• What to wear: Warrior saree draped for riding, chest armour, headband
• Props that matter: Sword, shield, a plaited or tied-back hairstyle
• Line for the stage: "I shall not give up my Jhansi."

See the Rani Lakshmibai costume

Swami Vivekananda

• What to wear: Saffron or ochre robe, wide sash, folded turban
• Props that matter: Arms crossed, chin lifted — the Chicago pose
• Line for the stage: "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached."

See the Swami Vivekananda costume

Mangal Pandey

• What to wear: Sepoy tunic with cross belts, dhoti, turban
• Props that matter: Musket prop, moustache
• Line for the stage: "Come out, men — the time has come."

See the Mangal Pandey costume

Mother Teresa

• What to wear: White sari with three blue borders, head fully covered
• Props that matter: Rosary, slightly stooped posture, folded hands
• Line for the stage: "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

See the Mother Teresa costume

Bharat Mata

• What to wear: Saffron sari, crown, tricolour drape
• Props that matter: Tiranga in one hand, a lion cut-out beside if the school allows
• Line for the stage: "Vande Mataram."

See the Bharat Mata costume

Which one should a younger child pick?

For ages 2-5, Gandhi and Nehru are the kindest options: loose cotton, nothing to hold, and the props sit on the face rather than in the hands. Rani Lakshmibai and Mangal Pandey involve a sword or musket prop that small children tend to drop mid-march. From age 6 upwards anything on this list works.

Sizes and fabric

All our freedom fighter outfits are stitched in Indian sizes measured in inches, for ages roughly 2-13, in cotton-blend fabric that survives a full day of assembly and photographs. Check the size guide , or browse the full freedom fighter collection.