Traditional dress of Maharashtra comprises of a 9 yard saree as the traditional costume for the women, and dhoti and shirt as the traditional costume of the men folk. Maharashtra, being one of the largest and most populous states of India, demonstrates an array of costumes, which suits the purpose of any occasion, as well as weather conditions.
Traditional Dress of Maharashtra for Men
The men of Maharashtra uphold Dhoti as their cultural heritage. It may be worn along with a shirt or kurta. They also wear "Bandi" over the shirt and turban called "Pheta" and "Pagri". The festive occasions of the Maharashtrians allow themselves to indulge in the festive mood and during this time most of the men wear "Churidar", "Pyjama", "Achkan" or "Survar".
Traditional Dress of Maharashtra for Women
The traditional dress of Maharashtra for women can be categorized in two types- the Nauvari saree and Paithani saree. Nauvari saree bears a resemblance to Dhoti and Paithani saree is worn with a long "pallu". Both the sarees have been detailed below:
Nauvari Saree: This type of saree is a nine yard long saree called "Nauvari Saree", which means nine yards. This saree is often called Kaashtha saree; it bears a resemblance to Dhoti. This specific style of draping does not require a petticoat or a slip beneath it. The Nauvari sarees have a historical background. During the Maratha rule, women were entrusted with the grave responsibility of helping their male partners, at emergency period of wars. To facilitate easy movement, the Maharashtrian women then introduced the Nauvari Saree. The fabric of Nauvari Saree is usually cotton, and for special occasions, silk tops the priority list when it comes to wear traditional dress of Maharashtra among women.
Paithani saree: Invested with an 18 inch to 25 inch pallu, owes its origin to adept textile-designing. The Brahmin ladies of Maharashtra wear sarees in a particular pattern where the pleats are located at or near the back and these are tucked in waist and the decked part of the saree is left open on the shoulder part. They use choli with the sarees and often polkas and blouses.
Paithani saree has been named after Paithan town of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Paithani saree is characterised by borders of an oblique square design, and a pallu with a Peacock design. Both plain and spotted designs are available. Silk is woven to constitute the body of the royal Paithani silks. And into this rich silk texture, pure Zari made of gold and silver threads are interwoven to give the Saree the ornamented get-up. The bright Paithani sarees are very popular as the bridal costume. The Paithani sarees are thus essentially linked to the culture and society of Maharashtra.
Traditional dress of Maharashtra reveals the culture of the state along with some historical importance. They have not lost the glory of their past; it has also focused on the traditional and regional textile-accomplishments like Paithani.
