Born This Way: Nauvari/ 9-yard Saree Showcases Rich Heritage

Maharashtrian's rich traditional Nauvari saree this Ganesh Chaturthi can be an add on to your style statement or for one time gaga looks

People across India are completely immersed in the festive mood of Ganesh Chaturthi. They have already on the streets shopping for Lord Ganesha in their homes and pandals. Especially in Maharashtra, this auspicious occasion is celebrated on a large scale with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

You will see most of the Marathi women dressed in their traditional attires, popularly known as ‘Nauvari’. Finely dressed in their traditional sarees along with some attractive gold ornaments, these women celebrate the festival of their favorite god with fervor and devotion.

Nauvari Tradition

It is worth to see these womens beauty in Nauvari (nine yard) which has a history of its own. It is said that the women started wearing this attire during Maratha's rule, as it looks like the trousers.

Woman during Maratha Rule

It is referred to as Akanda Vastra, which means it doesn't need any other attire to support it. In fact, this attire holds utmost importance as women across different walks of life have worn it. It is not just worn at religious and cultural events, but women have fought wars in the past and still work in farmlands wearing this.

Jijabai

Savitribai Phule

Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi

Fishermen Women

Nauvari Today

Today people are the blend of traditionality and modernity. No doubt they have adopted international trends but still appreciate and grasp their culture and tradition occasionally.

Now-a-days you get ready made stitched nauvari which is readily available in any saree store. There are variety of styles introduced in the market like brahmani, peshwai, saahi mastani and lots more.

Shahi Mastani/ Peshwai

Brahmani

You can try for any of these styles with traditonal maharashtrian ornaments this ganesh chaturthi festival. This will be an add on to your style statement or for one time gaga looks.

Simple steps to get this traditional Maharashtrian look

1. Spot a saree store: Look for any saree store in your town to get ready made stitched nauvari saree

2. Choose your style: go for brahmani, peshwai or mastani style nauvari

3. Choose your color: Ideally green, yellow, red and purple goes well with nauvari

4. Style your blouse: blouse designs for nauvari are always simple. A typical deep round neck with the khun/ khand checked design blouse - an asbsolutely beautiful brocade. Rich as silk, soft as satin, with the coolness and comfort of cotton. you can also go for any plain colour with paithani border or border similar to saree border.