In addition to its rich history, varied culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Maharashtra, a dynamic state located in the centre of India, is well-known for its unique traditional clothing. Maharashtra’s traditions, ethnicity, and beliefs are reflected in the state’s traditional attire. This article will take you on a fascinating tour of Maharashtrian traditional attire for both men and women, highlighting their distinctive features and cultural significance.
Maharashtra Traditional Dress for Female
Nauvari Saree
The Nauvari saree, a nine-yard marvel and the pinnacle of grace and tradition has a special location in Maharashtrian culture. This beautiful saree is distinguished by its unique drape, which includes draping it around the waist and donning it like a dhoti. Navari sarees, which are often woven of silk or cotton, have elaborate golden margins and brilliant hues that stand for prosperity and joy.
Paithani Saree
The Paithani saree is a classic Maharashtrian silk saree that is renowned for its grandeur and meticulous weaving. Paithani sarees are embellished with captivating designs drawn from nature and feature a fusion of vivid colours and glittering threads. These sarees are frequently handed down via the generations as a symbol of the family’s history and appreciation of fine craftsmanship.
Choli
Women wear a choli, also known as a blouse, underneath their sarees to conceal their upper bodies and shoulders. They are short, half-sleeved, and stop just below the chest. It is a very attractive addition to a saree and is typically composed of cotton and silk. In Maharashtra, sarees are frequently worn with complementing red and green cholis to highlight the beauty of the outfit as a whole.
Pheta
Women frequently wear Pheta, a peculiar headdress resembling a turban, with their sarees to complete the typical Maharashtrian look. Pheta, which is typically worn by men, gives a woman’s outfit a touch of elegance and grandeur. The Pheta is a silk garment that is delicately folded and draped about the head to represent pride and dignity.
Maharashtra Traditional Dress for Male:
Dhotar
The customary undergarment for Maharashtrian males is the dhotar. It comprises a long piece of material that is styled to be wrapped about the legs and waist. Dhotars are often made of silk or cotton fabric with elaborate patterns and borders. Dhotars come in a variety of hues, with white being the most famous option for celebrations and special events.
Kurta-Pajama
The kurta-pyjama is a traditional outfit that consists of a knee-length tunic (kurta) and baggy pants (pajama). Because of their ties to the environment and culture, Maharashtrian men frequently choose bright and earthy hues. The kurta-pyjama set enhances the entire elegance of traditional Maharashtrian dress and is adaptable, appropriate for both formal and informal settings.
Bandi
It is a waistcoat that is typically worn over kurtas or shirts and is a sleeveless jacket. It is a formal outfit that is worn to formal events like weddings and festivals. Due to the warmth they provide, they are not chosen in the summer, yet they are suitable to use in the winter.
Accessories and Embellishments:
Not just in Maharashtra, but throughout the world, jewellery is very popular. However, India has one of the most varied jewellery cultures in the world. From hands to legs, from nose to ear, jewellery is an extremely old element of Indian heritage and denotes riches, power, and position. It also improves one’s appearance.
Some of the embellishments and accessories:
- Women in Maharashtra wear nose jewellery referred to Nath, that resembles loops of earrings and is typically fashioned of gold and other pricey metals. Next are earrings, which come in countless variations of sizes and forms. The most famous jewellery for festivals and special occasions is necklaces, or har, in Arabic.
- Without a pair of Kolhapuri chappals, no classic Maharashtrian attire is complete. These Kolhapur-made handcrafted leather sandals are renowned for their coziness, toughness, and elaborate patterns. Both men’s and women’s clothing benefit from the authenticity and rustic appeal that Kolhapur chappals bring.
- Maharashtrian ladies make heavy use of the traditional nose ring known as Nath. The Nath, which usually consists of gold and is embellished with pearls and gemstones, is a representation of femininity and married status.
- Married women wear a necklace known as a Mangal Sutra, which translates to “unity of souls,” as a sign of their devotion to and love for their spouses. Bangles are worn by brides because it is thought that they will make couples and families prosperous.
- Men can show their status and wealth by wearing rings and gold chains. Their wedding band denotes their marital status.
Conclusion:
Both men and women wear traditional Maharashtrian clothing, which celebrates the region’s history, handicrafts, and cultural identity. Each garment, from the Paithani and regal Navari sarees to the exquisite kurta-pajamas and dhotars, is a reflection of the state’s rich traditions and its inhabitants’ artistic abilities. Maharashtrians proudly display their strong ties to their culture by donning these traditional garbs, paying honour to their ancestors and preserving their traditions with each beautiful step they make.
Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.
