Being a महाराष्ट्रीयन (Maharashtrian) from Mumbai, I am naturally very inclined towards our rich Marathi culture. Especially the fact that our culture promotes close knit family bonds, which can be clearly seen from our festive celebrations which we so greatly enjoy. It sets the real mood of our dynamic culture.
It is a tradition that women in our household wear साड्या (Saree) during all festivities. Many people aren’t acquainted with the cultural meaning behind wearing sarees and the technique of wearing them as per generations of tradition. For instance, while wearing a नऊवारी साडी (Nauvari – Nine Yard Saree) ones legs should not be visible and पदर (Pallu) should be over both the shoulders; the blouse styles were to be modest and simple. An essential depiction of a “decent woman” as per customs is to be fully clothed. Devoid of any artificial display of beauty and pride. This is the essence of Maharashtrian culture.
My grandmother was a very simple woman. Her favourite clothing was her कॉटन नऊवारी साडी (Cotton Nauvari Saree), paired with a gold chain on her neck, a bangle and a ring on her finger. Thats it. She was done and ready in minutes. But it was my mother who introduced me to Marathi fashion. It is always such a joy to see my mother get ready because there are so many styles and elements to a “typical Maharashtrian look” which are easy to forget.
Marathi fashion fabrics and weaves have so much history intertwined in them, that it is hard to miss the beauty of a Maharashtrian garment. They are vibrant, full of colours, impeccable and minute handwork, golden threads weaved through and through. It is a very typical couture with a very specific niche. One can immodestly look and tell if its one of the Maharashtrian sarees. Indeed, pure luxury for a fashion lover and a Marathi tradition for all the Maharashtrians out there.
Only from महाराष्ट्रा (Maharashtra) to नागपूर (Nagpur), औरंगाबाद (Aurangabad) to कोल्हापूर (Kolhapur), पुणे (Pune) to नाशिक (Nashik) and till मुंबई (Mumbai) you’ll find the authentic –
१) नऊवारी / Nauvari Saree
The method of dressing nine-yard नऊवारी साडी (Nauvari Saree) is called the काष्ठा (Kashtha). It may look like a dhoti but the method/technique behind wearing it is peculiar. नऊवारी साडी (Nauvari Saree) is the most traditional and ancient styles of clothing in Maharashtrian culture.
राणी लक्ष्मीबाई / मणिकर्णिका – झांसीकी राणी
(Rani Lakshmibai / Manikarnika – Jhansi ki Rani)
नऊवारी साडी (Nauvari Saree) was actually created by our forefathers as an aid to the women of the house, like a comfortable armour to wear and assist their men going to युद्ध (War).
२) पैठणी / Paithani Saree
पैठणी साडी (Paithani Saree) is one of the most famous handloom saris across the globe from state of Maharashtra. पैठणी साडी (Paithani Saree) were usually worn by the राणी (Queen), भ्रमण स्त्रिया (Bhramin Upper-cast Women) and women from affluent families.
The पैठणी साडी (Paithani Saree) looks the same on both sides. It is an actual piece of art, with endless hours of hardworking put in by craftsman across the country. A quint essential saree for every Maharashtrian wedding.
३) कोल्हापुरी सिल्क / Kolhapuri Silk Saree
The कोल्हापुरी सिल्क साडी (Kolhapuri Silk Saree) is quite similar in fabric to पैठणी साडी (Paithani Saree). But the work on a कोल्हापुरी सिल्क साडी (Kolhapuri Silk Saree) is more subtle with delicate signs depicting the beautiful carnival reflection of Kolhapur. It is fit for any occasion and again a famous choice amongst new brides.
*Images used for representative purpose, contact for credits.*