The Nauvari Sarees are the pride of every Maharashtrian woman. Also known as Kashta or Lugade saree, the name ‘nauvari’ comes from the use of a nine-yard cloth for the saree. The name ‘Kashta’, on the other hand, is because of the dhoti-style draping of this saree. In earlier days, the saree was worn as a dhoti or Kacham by both genders.
Nauvari sarees are stunning and emphasize the look of women. Undoubtedly, they are extremely comfortable and perfect for running a busy errand. If you are looking for outfit ideas for your upcoming wedding, this deep dive into the history behind Nauvari sarees is sure to serve you some inspiration!
Nauvari Meaning
The meaning of “nauvari” is “nine yards” in Marathi. It is a traditional style of sari that is worn by women in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The sari is made of nine yards of fabric and is draped in a specific way that is unique to the region. The nauvari sari is often associated with the Maratha community, and it is considered to be a symbol of their culture and heritage.
History Of Nauvari Saree
According to legend of Nauvari saree history, during the Maratha rule, Maharashtrian women designed the Nauvari saree to resemble a male trouser in order to fight alongside their male warriors during wars. Over time, this attire became a traditional saree that Maharashtrian women wore with pride, serving as a reminder of their equal stature and strength in a male-dominated society.
The Nauvari saree has since become an emblem of Maharashtra’s culture, worn by women of all castes and backgrounds. Brahmin women wear it while performing spiritual rituals, Lavani dancers don it while entertaining, and Kolhi fisherwomen use it as work clothing.
Nauvari sarees are deeply rooted in Maharashtrian culture and heritage. It is said that since the Maratha kingdom time, women used to help the male members of their family during the war. Nauvari sarees were derived during that time because they are similar to male trousers and thus involve extra comfort and freedom of movement.
Although women were seen flaunting these sarees during wartime, they also adorned them at weddings! The official dress of a Maharashtrian bride is a beautiful nauvari. But other guests are also seen wearing the same. Other than this, women don a nauvari saree on special occasions as well, like Gudi Padwa and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Nauvari sarees are seen in major historical pictures. Women warriors like Rani Lakshmibai are seen wearing nauvaris. The pleat tucking into the waist and backward pallu is what has made these traditional Maharashtrian sarees remarkable. Even the 19th-century distinguished painter Raja Ravi portrayed women in nauvari sarees.
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Nauvari Sarees: Spiritual Relevance
Nauvari sarees also have a very interesting spiritual relevance attached to them. If you have a closer look at the saree, the saree’s front lower portion resembles a conch-like shape, similar to the Shrikrushna principle. The upper portion from the waist can be perceived as the Lakshmidevitattva principle.
The women who wear the saree also perceive Marak shakti, which is the destroyer of energy, and Chaitanya, the divine consciousness, along with the Bhav. With these characteristics, many women believe that the saree harnesses positive intellectual energy, destroys the ego, and also lessens negativity.
With such a spiritual significance, this traditional Maharashtrian saree is sure to uplift your wedding experience!
Draping Style of Nauvari Sarees
The traditional nauvari seen in Marathi weddings and festivals is quite common. But other than this, the Koli drape of the nauvari saree is also quite famous.
This drape, made popular by the Koli fishing community of Maharashtra, is worn by the women of Rajasthan, Himachal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Haryana. This form of the nauvari saree is typically worn as a two-piece garment.
Although extremely elegant, Nauvari sarees are a difficult task to drape. Luckily, Maharashtrian brides can now get pre-stitched nauvari sarees that can be draped within seconds.
Once you have found your partner through any Marathi Matrimony app, you are ready to shine in a pretty nauvari saree for your big day.
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How To Drape A Nauvari Saree In Traditional Way
To drape a Nauvari saree in the traditional manner, you do not require a petticoat or slip. These sarees are mostly available in cotton and are effortless to carry off, even if you are a first-time wearer.
Here are the steps to drape a Nauvari saree:
- Firstly, wear a pair of tight slacks and tie a center knot right below the navel to secure the pleats, leaving about a meter of length on your left.
- Take the pallu of the saree on the left shoulder, wrap it and bring it to the right end of your shoulder.
- Now, with the remaining part of the saree, start making pleats of 4-5 inches. Pass all the pleats through both legs from the front to the back.
- Re-fold the pleats, pull them neatly and tuck them in at the mid-riff.
- Bring the remaining pleated portion of the saree and let it come towards your front side by wrapping it around the right side of your waist. Fold the portion of the saree that is near the feet in a layer and tuck it into your waist so that it looks like dhoti pants from the front.
Nauvari sarees are as rich as the Marathi culture. Earlier, these sarees were available only in cotton fabric. But thanks to modern designers today, sarees are now available in both silk as well as satin fabric.
While nauvari sarees were previously limited to only bright colors, they can also be seen in light pastel shades like lavender, off-white, baby pink, and likewise. They are further accentuated with beautiful embellishments and designs.
A nauvari saree with a thick golden border embroidered with gold or silver threads is the perfect choice for a bride. A bride can wear a nauvari made of the finest paithani silk for her big day. Nauvari sarees can be worn with a three-quartered or even a sleeveless blouse. You can even opt for modern-day ornamental and designer blouses to go with these lovely sarees.
There are many more modern ways of draping the traditional nauvari. These sarees are accessorized with a layered neckpiece and some attractive foot jewelry.
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Types Of Nauvari Saree
1. Brahmani Nauvari Saree
The Brahmani Nauvari sarees, originally worn by Brahmin women, are known for their beauty and elegance. These sarees gained prominence in ancient times when women wore them before going to war. Today, these sarees are popular not just in India but also around the world. Typically made of silk and available in the readymade form, the Brahmani Nauvari sarees boast stunning designs and patterns on the pallu, making them a perfect choice for anyone seeking traditional Indian attire.
2. Traditional Maharashtrian Nauvari Saree
The traditional Maharashtrian Nauvari saree is unique in that it does not require a petticoat and resembles men’s dhoti or folded pants. The bottom pallu covers the woman’s bust. Unlike a regular Nauvari saree, this traditional saree is made with 8-9 meters of fabric instead of 5-6 meters. Its expressive features and colors make it perfect for bridal wear, especially when paired with a necklace, bangles, and earrings.
3. Peshawari Nauvari Saree
The Peshawari Nauvari saree, also known as Gajaki, is popular with women in Maharashtra and around the world. It can be worn in the common zigzag style or various other fashion styles and comes in a wide range of colors suitable for different events, including weddings.
4. Paithani Nauvari Saree
The Paithani Nauvari saree is perfect for special occasions, providing a traditional Indian look with its beautiful artistic patterns and vibrant colors. Its popularity among women who love colorful sarees makes it a favorite.
5. Marathi Nauvari Saree
Finally, the Wedding Marathi Nauvari saree’s beautifully decorated borders and stunning body design give it an incredible look. Comfortable to wear, this saree is the epitome of traditional beauty and style.
6. Tamil Nauvari Saree
It sounds like you have great taste in sarees! The Tamil-looking saree you described with a blend of beautiful colors and traditional gold jewelry would be a great choice for anyone looking for a traditional yet alluring style. Sarees are versatile garment that can be worn for many occasions, and the right combination of colors and accessories can really make a statement. I hope you enjoy wearing your new saree!
7. Traditional Wedding Nauvari Saree
The Maharashtrian Nauvari saree you described sounds beautiful! The combination of gorgeous yellow color, plain body and pallu with minimal design, and shining light blue borders creates a simple yet elegant look that is perfect for a bridal saree. It’s great to know that this style is loved by Maharashtrian brides. When selecting a bridal saree, it’s important to find something that makes you feel confident and comfortable on your special day, and this style seems like a great option for anyone looking for a traditional and elegant look.
8. Simple Cotton Nauvari Saree
The casual cotton Nauvari saree you described sounds like a great addition to any wardrobe! The beautiful texture of the cotton fabric and the comfortable design makes it a versatile and practical option for everyday wear. Whether you’re running errands or meeting friends for lunch, this saree will allow you to look stylish while feeling comfortable. It’s always great to have a few simple and versatile pieces in your wardrobe that you can mix and match with different accessories to create different looks, and this saree seems like it fits the bill perfectly.
9. Pune Nauvari Saree
The Nauvari saree with the attractive design you described sounds absolutely stunning! The combination of different designs and patterns on the body and pallu creates a unique and eye-catching look that is sure to make any woman feel her best. It’s great to have a saree like this in your wardrobe, as it can be worn for many different occasions, from weddings to formal events. The alluring pallu patterns and fine details on the saree make it a true work of art that any saree lover would be proud to own. When selecting a saree, it’s always important to find something that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident, and this Nauvari saree seems like a great option for anyone looking for a bold and beautiful statement piece.
Do you know that Nauvari sarees have even catered to the global masses? Thanks to designers like Julie Bendkhale of Zuilee, Vaishali Shandangule, and Nachiket Barve, traditional Marathi bridal attire has made its way to the fashion runways of the world.
In Closing
From Maharashtrian Brahmin women draping this elegant saree during auspicious gatherings to Kolhi fisherwomen wearing it to work, the nauvari unifies Marathi women across places, backgrounds, and communities.
So, ladies, what are you waiting for? Time to don the gorgeous nauvari saree for your wedding ceremonies! But before that, check out an eligible partner’s profile on any Marathi Matrimony site and find your soulmate with very simple steps. We wish you all the best in your matchmaking journey ahead.
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