Street food, Language, Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Hotel Taj, and the B-Town are some of the most popular things of Maharashtra. But do you know there is another thing of this state that is highly intriguing and popular, that’s the Maharashtrian attire. There are many dresses that you might have already seen, worn, or heard about. But are you aware of their history? Or what makes them one of the traditional dresses of Maharashtra?
If you wish to know about the proud and strong history of some of the popular dresses of Maharashtra then read this blog completely. We have listed down some amazing, famous, and historic attire of people in Maharashtra.
Here are some common attire of Marathis that you can see even in today’s world
Popular Maharashtrian attire for Men
1. Dhoti
Starting the list with a common and maybe one of the most worn dresses of the state by men. And in today’s world, a lot of ladies too prefer wearing this, at least at home. Dhoti is a simple dress which is mostly of white color (for regular use) and that is tucked just under the waist. Men wrap it around their legs and then make a partition using the toe end of the dhoti. Then that end is tucked in the wrapped portion of the waist.
Although, you will find a lot of people wearing a white colored dhoti daily; but when it comes to special occasions, there are multiple colors. The designs and other things of dhotis also vary.
2. Kurta
The companion of Dhoti is Kurta or a shirt and sometimes a t-shirt as well (but that’s not authentic). So according to the men here in Maharashtra, this dress is still a common one. Usually, kurtas are made of cotton and worn mostly in summer to absorb all the sweat. Another benefit of wearing a kurta is that it allows your skin to breathe.
Yes, these are not like the ones you see women wearing. They have a completely different fit and that’s a completely different attire. This one is long and loose allowing the wearer to enjoy the comfort and look together. But on special occasions, men too wear stylish kurtas.
3. Leather Sandals
The traditional footwear of Marathi men are leather sandals. That is again due to comfort and its sturdiness. Additionally, these sandals were eventually less expensive and easy to find. These strong footwear also promise a long life. All of these things together make a Marathi man still inclined towards wearing this footwear.
4. Kolhapuri Chappal
If not the leather sandals, you will see people wearing Kolhapuri Chappal. That’s the second most popular and favourite footwear of the people here. It has been around with Marathis since the 13th century. The Kolhapuri chappals are a strong symbol of their tradition.
5. Achkan and Pajama
Achkan and Pajamas are the most recent traditional dresses of Maharashtra because it is closely related to Dhoti and Kurta. People at many times also replace Dhoti with Pajamas and wear it under a kurta. There are so many different options that people while exploring the traditional dresses of Maharashtra.
Popular Maharashtrian attire for women
1. Karvati Kavi Saree
The most common way of wearing a saree in Maharashtra is by doing it in Karvati Kavi style. Yes, this is now popular all over the state but its origination was from Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra in the 18th century. The literal translation of the attire is “saw-edged” which refers to its design and style of wearing.
2. Nauvari Saree
In terms of sarees, we believe Maharashtra is one of the most diverse states in the entire country. The second type of style that can be seen in the state is Nauvari Saree which means “Nine Yards.” And as it is self-explanatory, that refers to the total length of the saree. But that’s not it, the saree that is worn in this is very unique in design and style. It is draped around just like a dhoti and tucked in the same way.
You might have seen women wearing this styled saree on your visit to Maharashtra or when you might have watched a movie. The saree is draped around the legs and waist and then at the backside. It offers free movement to the women and comfort too.
3. Paithani saree
The next most important and popular saree style in Maharashtra is the Paithani saree. It is said to have originated in the 17th century in Aurangabad. The Paithani sarees are very rich in texture and they have highly intriguing borders. Zari embroidery is also something that you get to enjoy with multiple amazing colors. And this is the least you can say about the dress. Even the film stars love to wear it on multiple occasions.
4. Nath
To make the attire completely relentless, one has to take care of the complete look. For ladies, the look is never complete until they have got the jewellery in place. And a Nath is one of the most important and worn jewellery in Maharashtra. It is a very important element even for a bride. Naths are of different shapes and sizes, usually large. Women prefer wearing it on special occasions and at marriages.
5. Choli
Choli is a common blouse that is worn by women in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and many other regions. The names are different but the work and look is almost the same. Women here wear it when they dress up in a saree.
6. Pehta
If you have seen Marathi men and have noticed their heads; you might have seen a specific type of headgear. It is a bit different than the usual caps and they are called Topis. These are usually white in color. But nowadays, you can see people wearing different color topis. This headgear was introduced in Maharasthra to protect people’s heads from direct sunlight. But then it was considered to be one of the important parts of several attires.
7. Waistcoat
If you have a look at the older people (but now youngers also wear it), you will see them wearing a waistcoat. Which for them is called Bandi and is a sleeveless coat or jacket. It can be worn on occassions and in normal day-to-day life as well. It makes the Maharashtrian attire look a bit more formal and a bit proper.
8. Nauvari Sari
The Nauvari Sari is a traditional Marathi attire that embodies grace and cultural significance. “Nauvari” literally translates to “nine yards,” which is the length of this sari. Unlike the typical sari, which is six yards long, the Nauvari Sari is longer and more versatile. It is known for its unique draping style, where the fabric is elegantly wrapped around the body and legs, allowing for freedom of movement. This distinctive style is often associated with Marathi women and is a symbol of their strength and resilience. Nauvari Saris are adorned on various occasions, including festivals, dance performances, and weddings. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a vibrant representation of Maharashtra’s rich culture and heritage.
9. Peshwai Sari
The Peshwai Sari is a regal and traditional garment with historical significance rooted in the Maratha Empire’s Peshwa era, dating back to the 18th century in Maharashtra. This sari is a symbol of royal grandeur and cultural heritage. The Peshwai Sari is characterized by its opulence and exquisite craftsmanship. It typically features rich, silk fabrics adorned with intricate gold or silver zari work and embellished with motifs like peacocks, lotus flowers, and traditional paisley designs. The sari’s pallu is often the focal point, showcasing elaborate detailing. Peshwai Saris are commonly worn on special occasions, weddings, and festivities by women who wish to embrace Maharashtrian tradition while exuding an aura of timeless elegance and splendor.
10. Lugade
The Lugade, also known as Nauvari Lugade, is a distinctive and traditional attire worn by women in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It’s a symbol of both cultural pride and practicality. The term “Lugade” refers to a unique way of draping a saree, which allows for ease of movement and reflects the Marathi woman’s strong spirit.
This traditional Marathi saree is typically made from cotton, ensuring comfort and durability. The Lugade consists of nine yards of fabric, allowing for versatility and functionality. The draping style creates a pair of pants with a pleated pallu, making it well-suited for various activities and agricultural work. The Lugade is often adorned with simple, yet elegant designs and comes in an array of colors.
This attire is not only a reflection of tradition but also a symbol of the Marathi woman’s resilience and connection to her roots. The Lugade, with its unique draping style, remains an iconic representation of Maharashtrian culture and is still worn proudly on cultural occasions and in rural communities.
Conclusion
There are a lot of dresses on the list that have a popular nationwide presence. People have seen, worn, and enjoyed these attire and they still love to get their hands on their different styles. Maharashtra is one of those states in India that has very carefully and beautifully preserved its traditional attire. They have kept it alive since the very beginning and in today’s world, you can see it being worn in different parts of the nation.
See Also: Traditional dresses of India | Traditional dresses of Kerala
Traditional dresses of Assam | Traditional dresses of Rajasthan
Traditional dresses of Karnataka | Traditional dresses of Tamil Nadu
Traditional dresses of Punjab | Traditional dresses of Sikkim
Traditional dresses of Manipur | Traditional dresses of Odisha
Traditional dresses of Uttarakhand | Traditional dresses of Bihar
Traditional dresses of West Bengal | Traditional dresses of Mizoram
