Maharashtra Day 2023: A step-by-step guide to wearing a traditional Marathi Nauvari saree

Maharashtra Day 2023: Maharashtra Day is that time of the year when Maharashtrians fill their hearts with pride and joy. It marks the day when the state was formed in 1960. Hence, it goes without saying that 1st May brings with it the perfect opportunity for the natives to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditions and achievements of their state. If you plan to participate in a procession or attend a milan ceremony in your neighborhood on Maharashtra Day, wearing traditional attire, especially Nauvari, is the best option. Now, if you are curious to know what Nauvari is, then keep scrolling.

What is Nauvari?

Nauvari is a traditional saree worn by women in the state of Maharashtra. The name means nine yards in Marathi, referring to the length of a sari. It is draped in a unique way, resembling a trouser, with one end hinged at the back and the other draped over the shoulder. Nauvari sarees are usually made of cotton or silk fabric and come in many vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Types of Nauvari sarees and easy ways to wear them:

Traditional Nauvari Saree

This is the original and most authentic way of draping Nauvari saree. It is believed that during the Maratha rule women were given the responsibility of helping their fellow male fighters. To facilitate free movement, Maharashtrian women invented the nauvari sari, which looks like men’s trousers. A traditional Nauvari saree is draped like this:

wear stages

1. Begin by wearing a blouse and petticoat as you would for a regular saree.
2. Take the saree and fold it in such a way that one fourth of it is on your right side and the rest is on your left side. Now, tie a knot using both the ends.
3. Tuck the knot behind your waist, making sure it’s tight.
4. Drape the saree like a normal saree by bringing it from the back, but only the left side. After wrapping one layer, the second loose layer should be arranged pleated and tucked into the knotted portion.
5. In the same way, take the small part which is loose and make a plate of it.
6. Take the remaining fabric and tuck it in the back of the waistband, bringing it between your legs.
7. Take the end of the saree hanging over your left shoulder and bring it over your right shoulder, around your back and let it hang loose.
8. Adjust the pleats in the front and ensure that the saree is neatly draped.

Peshwai / Brahmani Marathi Saree

With the exception of the front drape, which has a front border drape, the basic drape style of the Brahmani Nauvari saree is similar to the traditional Nauvari saree draping. Usually, these sarees are made of cotton, silk or cotton silk.

wear stages

1. Raise the edges and tuck in at the back of the waist after making pleats, leaving a large portion on the right and a smaller portion on the left.
2. Returning to the lower front pleats, take the forearm from the right knee and tuck it in a curvilinear manner to the left.

Contemporary Maharashtrian Saree

It is a modern interpretation of the traditional Nauvari saree, with a fusion of western and traditional styles. The best part is that you can wear pants instead of an underskirt with this saree draping style.

wear stages

1. Begin by wearing a blouse and petticoat/pants as you would for a regular saree.
2. Take the saree and make a pleat at one end, tuck it in the middle of your waist and bring the other corner around your back.
3. Take the saree fabric from the front and bring it over your left shoulder making a pallu.
4. Take the remaining saree fabric and drape it over your right shoulder, making sure it falls evenly in the front and back.
5. Tuck the saree and you are done.

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