This article shares detailed information about the traditional dress of Maharastra for both men and women.
Maharashtra, a state in western India, is known for its economic status and suitable geographical location. The Marathi dance form and various dishes are the other aspects to look out for. The state has even caught up well when it comes to traditional outfits. The proud history and culture significantly influence the dressing styles of people in this region.
So, without further delay,
let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Traditional Dress of Maharashtra For Men
Pheta
Pheta, also known as pataka, is a traditional attire of Maharashtrian men. It is a long piece of cloth made of cotton or silk and wrapped around the head. The wrapping of a Pheta requires skills and needs to be precise with the knots.
There are different ways of draping this cloth, including The Kolhapuri style, Mawali style, Puneri style, etc. Men are often seen wearing this Pheta at wedding ceremonies and important rituals.
It comes in various colors, including saffron, white, red, etc. Each color has its unique significance and indicates the occasion you are heading to.
Kurta
Kurtas are loose-fitting traditional wears that are long-sleeved and run to your knees. They look best when equipped with a pajama or dhoti. The outfit can be worn daily or on special occasions, depending upon your preferences. It comes in various colors, with the bright colors reserved for festive and marriage ceremonies.
Regarding the material used, Kurtas are made from high-quality silk and cotton. The smooth texture helps to provide comfort to your skin. You can customize this outfit by adding various designs and embroideries.
Bandi
It is a simple waistcoat worn by the elders of Maharashtra on a regular basis. This short-sleeved cloth is worn casually on various occasions throughout the state.
On occasions such as Ganpati Visharjan, people can be seen wearing a Bandi and dancing around, playing with colors. So, if you are wondering about an ideal summer wear, you should opt for it.
Dhoti
The Maharashtrian dhoti, often referred to as “Dhotar,” is a long piece of unstitched cloth. It is wrapped around the legs, and the process is often tricky.
Tuck the ends of the dhoti around the waist to avoid failing while you walk. These clothes are plain and made of pure cotton. The white dhoti is common among individuals and is worn by people of all ages.
This outfit is deeply rooted in the hearts of all Maharashtrian people and is worn with pride, reflecting their culture.
Traditional Dress of Maharashtra For Women
Paithani Saree
This saree originated hundreds of years back and holds a special place in the cultural significance of Maharashtra. Women prefer this saree for special occasions such as traditional rituals or marriages.
These sarees are often embroidered with gold threads and rich colors, with beautiful symbols that add to their beauty. The common patterns here include peacocks and lotuses. The characters of parrots are woven in the green borders of the pallu, with a touch of red in it.
While purchasing this cloth, ensure all the fabrics are neatly sealed with no hanging threads. The duration for weaving this saree varies from 6 months to 2 years, depending upon the patterns included.
Nauvari Saree
Nauvari Saree, known as the nine-yard saree, is famous for its unique designs and vibrant colors. The history of this saree dates back to the old times when women went to battlefields to fight for their territory.
Wrapping this saree allowed them to go on intense adventures without abandoning their traditions. During weddings, brides equip this saree with jewelry and fancy blouses to enhance their beauty. Although there are various pre-stitched designs in the market, you can make a customized saree by contacting the local weavers.
Karvat Kathi Saree
It is another important traditional wear for Maharashtrian women. This saree is woven with the best quality cotton and is popular throughout the country for its unique design and styling.
The borders of these sarees consist of various patterns, including temples and animals. The best way to distinguish a Karvat Kathi saree is to run your fingers across the saree material. Ensure the fabrics are smooth and not uneven in the embroidery area.
Narayan Peth sarees
Narayan Peth sarees are known for their simplicity and elegance. These sarees are light and comfortable to wear and come in various patterns.
The weavers invest a reasonable amount of time in adding unique designs in different parts of the sarees. Thus, ensure a stand-out personality while visiting any event or ceremony.
Engagement dress for Maharashtra couple
Nauvari Saree and Sherwani
When it comes to classy dress for engagement, the women of Maharastra wrap themselves in a Nauvari Saree. It has a unique pattern, and the trouser-like bottom is its specialty.
Nine layers are formed after the wrapping, which is visually attractive. Talking about the groom, a sherwani is picked, which has a long, tailored coat-like structure with beautiful embroidery.
In addition, the groom ties a Pheta to their head, which is similar to a turban. Well, Maharashtra being a big state, there can be variations based on family traditions and individual preferences.
Conclusion on Maharashtra Traditional Dresses
Thus, the various Traditional dress of Maharashtra male and female and their cultural importance are discussed above.
You might have seen or worn most of them during the festive seasons. Maharastra is amongst those Indian states who has preserved its culture despite all the war-like situations.
The people of this place played a significant role in uplifting their culture along with being modern.
You Might Also like to check Other Indian States’ Traditional Dresses